The new phases Ln1/3Zr2(PO4)3 (Ln = Rare Earth) crystallize with the N
asicon-type structure. The rare earth is located in the usually labele
d M1 site with rather ionic Ln-O bonds. The ceramics resulting from th
e decomposition of these phosphates have been characterized in the cas
e of lanthanum and europium. They exhibit a very low thermal expansion
between room temperature and 1340-degrees-C. (C) 1994 Academic Press,
Inc.