Chemical interactions at the phase boundaries of materials applied for
the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been studied by EPMA. The chemi
cal reactivity at the interface of Lay-xSrxMnO3/ZrO2-Y2O3 is dependent
on the stoichiometry (y) and the Sr content (x) of the perovskite. Ty
pical reaction products (zirconates) and a diffusion zone in the ZrO2-
Y2O3 have been observed. The extension of cation release (Mn) is relat
ed to the increasing chemical activity of Mn oxide in the perovskite b
y the Sr substitution for La. The wettability of the metal/oxide inter
face in the anode cermet (Ni/ZrO2-Y2O3) has been found to be influence
d by chemical reactions resulting from the applied reducing atmosphere
with high carbon activity. The disintegration of ZrO2-Y2O3 in contact
with molten Ni or Ni-Ti and Ni-Cr alloys leads to the redeposition of
Y2O3-enriched oxides and also to Zr-rich intermetallic compounds and
eutectics.