The objective of the present work is to study properties of a composite material consisting of zirconia nanoparticles in a glass matrix based on the system of BaO-CaO-SiO2-B2O3-Al2O3. Zirconia nanoparticles are added by 0-20 vol.% into the glass matrix to prepare the glass composites. Coefficient of thermal expansion, glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening point temperature of specimens are determined by means of dilatometry analysis. Coefficient of thermal expansion of base glass is 10.38 x 10(-6) k(-1) and by increasing zirconia content to 10, 15, and 20 vol.%, coefficient of thermal expansion reduces down to 9.88 x 10(-6), 9.84 x 10(-6) and 9.76 x 10(-6) k(-1) respectively. Sinterability of different specimens is studied by increasing zirconia nanoparticles. Electrical properties are measured in different temperatures, and results show that with increment of zirconia nanoparticles, temperature resistivity of specimens has been decreased. Microstructural investigation reveals a well-adhered bonding between the sealants and electrolyte.

Keywords: Solide oxide fuel cell; Composites; Nano Zirconia; Thermal properties; Electrical properties; Sinterability