Structural-phase transition and electrical conductivity in tin-modified zirconium titanate

Abstract

The structural phase transition in tin-modified zirconium titanate was investigated using high-temperature X-ray, DTA, DSC and electrical conductivity. In a dilute solid solution of Sn (x less than or equal to 0.2) in Zr1-xSnxTiO4, we ascribed to the successive phase transition from normal to incommensurate the break of electrical conductivity, thermal anomalies, and specific heat anomalies occurring at temperatures of 1121 degrees C, 1124 degrees C and 1125 degrees C on the heating run, and at temperatures of 1121 degrees C, 1116 degrees C and 1117 degrees C on the cooling run, respectively. Furthermore, the super-lattice reflection intensity was inversely proportional to the Sn content, cooling rate and electrical activation energy. With a composition of Zr0.8Sn0.2TiO4, the phase transition from normal to incommensurate was completely inhibited.