Synthesis of Polycrystalline Nd∶YAG Nanopowders Used for Sintering Transparent Ceramics via Gel Combustion

摘要

Polycrystalline nano-sized neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd∶Y3Al5O12, Nd∶YAG) powders were synthesized via a gel combustion method using nitrates and citric acid as starting materials. The evolution of phase composition and micro-structure of the powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Well-crystallized Nd∶YAG nano-sized powders could be obtained at 950 ℃ for 2 h. The resultant powders are well dispersed, have a relatively narrow size distribution with an average particle size of approximately 50 nm, and show excellent sinterability. These powders can be densified to 99.2% of the theoretical density by HP sintering at 1700 ℃ for 3 h under 20 MPa nitrogen pressure.