Chemical and thermal stability of phosphate ceramic matrices

Abstract

Nanosized powders of orthophosphates in the LaPO₄–YPO₄–H₂O system have been synthesized by the sol–gel method using the reverse precipitation. The obtained powders served as a base to produce compact ceramic matrices. The matrices’ microhardness has been determined and the dependence of microhardness on the sintering temperature and duration has been established. The dilatometry method was used to study the thermal behavior of ceramic matrix samples and to estimate their thermal expansion coefficient. The stability of La_1–xY_xPO₄ ceramic matrices to leaching in distilled water at room temperature has been determined.