SOLID SOLUTION APPROACH FOR THE FABRICATION OF CERAMICS WITH HIGH DENSITY AND CONTROLLED MICROSTRUCTURE

Abstract

The use of solid solution additives is a very effective approach for the formation, by conventional sintering, of ceramics with high density and controlled grain size. However, the number of systems for which solid solution additives have been found remains quite smalt and, with the possible exception of the MgO-doped Al₂O₃ system, the role of the additives in sintering is very ambiguous. The reasons for the gap in understanding the additive role are outlined. Current work for advancing the understanding in this important area of ceramic processing is described for the doped CeO₂ system.