Zn0.1Ca0.1Sr0.4Ba0.4ZrO3: A non-equimolar multicomponent perovskite ceramic with low thermal conductivity

A non-equimolar multicomponent perovskite of Zn0.1Ca0.1Sr0.4Ba0.4ZrO3 is successfully synthesized. Its single-phase stabilization is achieved by the designed non-equimolar composition that contributes to the nearly zero mixing enthalpy, the high configuration entropy and the moderate atomic difference. Its chemical bonds inhomogeneity is revealed, which contributes to the unique mechanical and thermal properties of Zn0.1Ca0.1Sr0.4Ba0.4ZrO3. Its Young’s modulus is 185.7 GPa and tends to be the average of its components’. The thermal conductivity of Zn0.1Ca0.1Sr0.4Ba0.4ZrO3 ranges from 1.45 to 1.87 W/(m·K), being lower than those of its components (CaZrO3 and BaZrO3) and the typical low thermal conductivity material Y2O3 partially stabilized ZrO2. The low thermal conductivities suggest its potential as thermal barrier materials and this work is supposed to arouse future works on the non-equimolar multicomponent ceramics with targeted performances.