Sintering of LaFeO3 ceramics

The sintering of LaFeO3 has been studied in the temperature interval 1100-1 600 degrees C in air. The effect of cation nonstoichiometry on densificatio n, micro-structure, and phase composition is emphasized. La2O3 was observed to inhibit both sintering and grain growth. In Fe-excess materials, exagge rated grain growth occurred, particularly above 1430 degrees C, where a liq uid phase was formed. Postsintering swelling was observed in Fe-excess mate rials above 1430 degrees C, The swelling mechanism is related to phase equi libria, which are reductive in nature and lead to the evolution of oxygen g as, The density in La-excess materials remains high up to 1600 degrees C, b ut the ceramics might disintegrate in air.