Evolution of yttrium trifluoroacetate during thermal decomposition

A detailed analysis of the thermal decomposition of yttrium trifluoroacetate under different atmospheres is presented. Thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, and evolved gas analysis have been used for this in situ analysis. Solid residues at different stages have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The first decomposition stage (310 °C) is exothermic and involves the complete removal of carbon (organic part) and the formation of yttrium fluoride. This process is characterized by a fast mass loss rate. Afterwards, yttria (Y₂O₃) is formed at 1200 °C through a slow process controlled by the out diffusion of fluorine that involves the formation of yttrium oxyfluoride as an intermediate. The evolution of the mass during the decomposition and the structure of the yttria particles is not affected by the presence of oxygen or water. However, when the oxygen (water) partial pressure is as low as 0.02% (<0.002%), the kinetics and final particle structure are strongly affected.