PNNL

Abstract

Exposure of La0.9Sr0.1MnO3+d to repeated oxygen partial pressure cycles (air/10 ppm O2) resulted in enhanced densification rates, similar to behavior shown previously due to thermal cycling. Shrinkage rates in the temperature range 700 to 1000oC were orders of magnitude higher than Makipirtti-Meng model estimations based on stepwise isothermal dilatometry results at high temperature. A maximum in enhanced shrinkage due to oxygen partial pressure cycling occurred at 900oC. Shrinkage was greatest when LSM-10 bars that were first equilibrated in air were exposed to gas flows of lower oxygen fugacity than in the reverse direction. The former creates transient cation and oxygen vacancies well above the equilibrium concentration, resulting in enhanced mobility. These vacancies annihilate as Schottky equilibria is re-established, whereas the latter condition does not lead to excess vacancy concentrations.