A novel NTC ceramic based on La2Zr2O7 for high-temperature thermistor

A novel negative temperature coefficient material based on lanthanum zirconate ceramics was proposed for high-temperature applications. This material was synthesized through a solid-state reaction by sintering at 1923 K for 10 h in air. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results confirmed that La 2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics exhibited a pyrochlore phase with a relative density of 98.2 %. The resistance–temperature characteristics of the material revealed that La 2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics exhibited an NTC feature within the broad temperature range of 973–1773 K in addition to maintaining high thermal constant B , and resistivity to ensure good sensitivity at high temperatures. These properties, along with high ceiling temperature, unique oxygen insensitivity, and excellent ageing coefficient of <0.7 % at 1773 K, render La 2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics a promising candidate as thermistor materials with high-temperature NTC.