Using fluorite oxides as an example, this study broadens high-entropy ceramics (HECs) to compositionally-complex ceramics (CCCs) or multi-principal cation ceramics (MPCCs) to include medium-entropy and/or non-equimolar compositions. Nine compositions of compositionally-complex fluorite oxides (CCFOs) with the general formula of (Hf1/3Zr1/3Ce1/3)1x(Y1/2X1/2)xO2-δ (X = Yb, Ca, and Gd; x = 0.4, 0.148, and 0.058) are fabricated. The phase stability, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivities are measured. Compared with yttriastabilized zirconia, these CCFOs exhibit increased cubic phase stability and reduced thermal conductivity, while retaining high Young's modulus (~210 GPa) and nanohardness (~18 GPa).Moreover, the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity in the non-equimolar CCFOs shows an amorphous-like behavior. In comparison with their equimolar high-entropy counterparts, the medium-entropy non-equimolar CCFOs exhibit even lower thermal conductivity (k) while maintaining high modulus (E), thereby achieving higher E/k ratios. These results suggest a new direction to achieve thermally-insulative yet stiff CCCs (MPCCs) via exploring non-equimolar and/or medium-entropy compositions.
Summary of Novel Conclusions:This study broadens "high-entropy ceramics" to "compositionally-complex ceramics". Using fluorite oxides as an example, we show that lower thermal conductivity and higher stiffness-toconductivity ratios are achieved in medium-entropy non-equimolar compositions.
Highlights:• Nine compositionally-complex fluorite oxides (CCFOs) are made and investigated.• CCFOs exhibit reduced thermal conductivity and increased cubic phase stability.• Lower thermal conductivity is achieved in medium-entropy non-equimolar CCFOs.• High modulus and hardness retain in CCFOs with reduced thermal conductivity.• Non-equimolar CCFOs exhibit amorphous-like T-dependent thermal conductivity.