Bulk thermal expansion studies of Th1-xCexO2 in the complete solid solution range

ThO2 and CeO2 are shown to form an almost ideal solid solution throughout t he homogeneity range. Bulk thermal expansion studies on Th1-xCexO2(0.0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1.0) were carried out by dilatome try from 293 to 1123 K in air. The average linear thermal expansion coeffic ients, <(<alpha>)over bar>, of ThO2 and CeO2 were found to be 9.04 x 10(-6) and 11.58 x 10(-6) K-1, respectively, between 293 and 1123 K. The substitu tion of Ce4+ at Th4+ sites in ThO2 induced a systematic upward trend in the thermal expansion behavior throughout this series of solid solution on goi ng from ThO2 to CeO2. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.