Sintering characteristics and thermal expansion behavior of Li-doped lanthanum chromite perovskites depending upon preparation method and Sr doping

The sintering characteristics and thermal expansion behaviors of Li-doped lanthanum chromite perovskites (La1−xSrxCr1−yLiyO3; x=0, 0.1, 0.2; y=0.01, 0.02, 0.05) synthesized by the Pechini method have been investigated. The solubility limit of Li into the perovskites decreases with increasing Sr content. Li doping to the perovskites improved sintering characteristics; however, the Pechini method did not bring the effect expected on the improvement of the sintering. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of the LaCrO3 perovskites measured in air was independent of Li doping in this composition range. The TECs in the reduced atmosphere showed lower values than those in air.