A Microstructural Study of Doped-LaGaO3 (La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85) Produced by an Autocombustion from a Gel-like Precursor

Polycrystalline dense samples of lanthanum gallate doped with strontium and magnesium (La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 or LSGM) was prepared using a novel gel precursor synthesis method. This consists in preparing a LSGM precursor from a freeze-dried Agar-Agar gel. After the freeze-drying step, the dry residue is put in an oven at 120°C where autocombustion occurred. The as-produced powders are then calcined.

Investigations are made to follow both structural and microstructural evolutions from the dry residue to the end product. The effect of the temperature evolution was examined by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, environmental scanning electron microscopy, and specific surface area analysis. Dilatometric curves and density measurements have been also performed on the sintered products.

Advantages of this method are the ability to control size distribution and to obtain high density materials without any milling step thus avoiding any contamination coming from the grinding medium.