Thermal Properties of Stabilized Zirconia at Low Temperatures

Abstract

The linear thermal expansion coefficient a from 2 to 100 K and heat capacity per gram cp from 0·3 to 30 K are reported for fully-stabilized zirconia containing a nominal 16 wt.% (9 mol.%) of yttria. The heat capacity below 7 K has been analysed into a linear (tunnelling?) term, a Schottky term centred at 1·2 K, a Debye term (e~ = 540 K), and a small T5 contribution. The expansion coefficient is roughly proportional to T from 5 to 20 K and gives a limiting lattice Griineisen parameter 'Yo ::::: 5, which agrees with that calculated from elastic data.