Formation, densification, and electrical conductivity of air-sinterable Y(Cr1−xMgx)O3 prepared by the hydrazine method

In Mg2+-substituted YCrO3, single-phase perovskite compounds Y(Cr1−xMgx)O3, where x=0–0.1, have been formed at low temperatures (∼850 °C) by decomposition of Y(Cr1−xMgx)O4 which crystallizes at ∼600 °C from amorphous materials prepared by the hydrazine method. Y(Cr1−xMgx)O3 powders consisting of submicrometer-size particles are sinterable; dense ceramics can be fabricated by sintering for 4 h at 1800 °C under atmospheric pressure. The relative densities, grain sizes, and electrical conductivity increase with increased Mg2+-content. Y(Cr0.9Mg0.1)O3 ceramics show a good electrical conductivity at elevated temperatures.