Electrical Conductivity of Sintered Chromia Mixed with TiO_2,CuO and Mn-Oxides

The electrical conductivity of sintered Cr2O3 mixed with 2% and 5% （in molar fraction） TiO2 or CuO was investigated in the temperature range 500-900℃ in air and in At/4 vol. pct H2 atmospheres. The effect of different Mn-oxides on the electrical conductivity of Cr2O3 was also studied under the same conditions. From the conductivity measurements it is established that additions of TiO2 change the defect structure of Cr2O3 and the effect of TiO2 on the electrical conductivity is controlled by TiO2 concentration as well as temperature and O2 partial pressure of the surrounding atmosphere. The conductivity of Cr2O3 increased in air and decreased in the At/H2 atmosphere by CuO additions. The effect of CuO was discussed with possible changes in the defect concentration in Cr2O3. Mixing of Cr2O3 with different Mn-oxides at the same Mn to metal atom fraction decreased the conductivity in air and in Ar/H2 atmospheres. No clear correlation between the spinel fraction and the changes in conductivity could be found.