Near-zero thermal expansion of In2(1-x)(HfMg) x Mo3O12 with tailored phase transition

Solid solutions of In_2(1-x)(HfMg) _x Mo₃O₁₂ are synthesized by solid state reaction with the aim to reduce the phase transition temperature of In₂Mo₃O₁₂ and improve its thermal expansion property. The effects of (HfMg)⁶⁺ incorporation on the phase transition and thermal expansion are investigated. It is shown that the monoclinic-to-orthorhombic phase transition temperature obviously decreases and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the orthorhombic becomes less negative and approaches to zero with increasing the content of (HfMg)⁶⁺. A near zero thermal expansion covering the case at room temperature (RT) is achieved for the solid solutions with x ≥ 0.85, implying potential applications of this material in many fields.

Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11574276, 51302249, and 51503185) and the Doctoral Fund of the Ministry of Education of China (Grant No. 20114101110003).