Microstructure development in (LaxSr1−x)MnO3 ceramics

Microstructure development in (LaxSr1−x)MnO3 (LSMO) ceramics were investigated. Grains of size less than 0.5 μm formed small lumps (<3 μm) in porous LSMO ceramics with x=0.25 and 0.3. Grain sizes are evidently larger at 1400 °C/h than LSMO ceramics of x=0.25–0.35 sintered at 1300 °C/4 h. At x=0.4, grain size did not increase with sintering temperature visibly. Grain size decreased with increased lanthanum content.