Development of highly transparent zirconia ceramics

摘要

Highly transparent zirconia ceramics were developed and their optical and mechanical properties were comprehensively studied. Alow optical haze value (H<1.0 %), defined as the diffuse transmission divided by the total forward transmission, was achieved by using high-purity powder and a novel sintering process. Theoretical in-line transmission (74 %) was observed from the ultraviolet-visible region up to the infra-red region; an absorption edge was found at 350 nm and 8 μm for the ultraviolet and infrared region, respectively. A colorless sintered body having a high refractive index (n_d = 2.23) and a high Abbe's number (v_d = 27.8) was obtained. A remarkably large dielectric constant (ε= 32.7) with low dielectric loss (tan δ = 0.006) was found. Transparent zirconia ceramics are candidates for high-refractive index lenses, optoelectric devices and infrared windows. Transparent zirconia ceramics also possess excellent mechanical properties. Various colored transparent zirconia can be used as exterior components and for complex-shaped gemstones.