Thermochemistry and phase stability of the polymorphs of yttrium tantalate, YTaO₄

Thermodynamic parameters of the three fergusonite-related polymorphs M', M and T of YTaO4 and their phase stabilities were investigated experimentally. The debate on the relative stability of the M and M' phases was resolved, and it was shown that the compound does not transform to a cubic polymorph prior to melting. The enthalpies of formation of M and M' were determined using high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry, and the heat capacities and heat contents were measured. The enthalpy of the M' to T phase transition was measured by differential thermal analysis. The stability of the T phase up to its melting at 2090 degrees C was demonstrated using high temperature X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Its enthalpy of fusion was determined using drop-and-catch calorimetry. The thermodynamic properties of YTaO4 assessed in this study enable the thermodynamic modeling of its polymorphs and related materials systems of technological importance.