Substitutions of Zr(4+)/V(5+) for Y(3+)/Mo(6+) in Y(2)Mo(3)O(12) for Less Hygroscopicity and Low Thermal Expansion Properties

In this investigation, Zr(x)Y(2−x)V(x)Mo(3−x)O(12) (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.4) is developed and the effects of the substitutions of Zr(4+)/V(5+) for Y(3+)/Mo(6+) in Y(2)Mo(3)O(12) on the hygroscopicity and thermal expansion property are investigated. For the smaller substitution content (x ≤ 0.5), their crystal structures remain orthorhombic, while there is crystal water still in the lattice. The linear coefficients of thermal expansions (CTEs), for x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7, are about −4.30 × 10(−6), −0.97 × 10(−6), 0.85 × 10(−6), and 0.77 × 10(−6) K(−1), respectively, from 476 to 773 K, which means that the linear CTE could be changed linearly with the substitution content of Zr(4+)/V(5+) for Y(3+)/Mo(6+) in Y(2)Mo(3)O(12). As long as the substitution content reaches x = 1.3/1.4, almost no hygroscopicity and low thermal expansion from room temperature are obtained and are discussed in relation to the crystal structure and microstructure.