Combustion synthesis and the influence of precursor packing on the sintering properties of LCC nanopowders

The sintering characteristics of calcium-substituted lanthanum chromite powders (LCC) prepared via the citrate-nitrate combustion route were examined. The effects of sample packing prior to combustion synthesis and (La+Ca)/Cr cation ratios were studied in terms of the degree of reaction conversion and agglomeration of the nanoparticles obtained. The difference in sintering behaviour of samples milled for 5 and 60 min indicates that the sintering properties of the samples are not related only to the presence of liquid phase but also to the agglomerate size reduction during milling.