Simultaneous precipitation of Zr4+ and Y3+ ions induced refinement of precursors and powders in fabrication of Zr4+ doped Y2O3 transparent ceramics

Zr 4+ ion doping is an effective method to enhance the optical and mechanical qualities of Y 2 O 3 transparent ceramics. In most previous studies, slowing down densification and inhibiting grain growth of Y 2 O 3 ceramic are generally recognized as the primary function of Zr 4+ additive during sintering. In this work, an interesting simultaneous precipitation phenomenon of Zr 4+ and Y 3+ ions was discovered and it directly led to the refinement of precursors and Y 2 O 3 powders. Consequently, the acting mechanisms of Zr additive should be demonstrated as the synergistic effect of refining precursor, producing oxygen interstitial and promoting solute-drag. Microstructure evolution and optical quality of Zr doped Y 2 O 3 ceramics were further investigated in detail. By doping 3.0 at.% Zr 4+ ions, Y 2 O 3 transparent ceramics with a transmittance as high as 82.3% at 1064 nm could be realized, after sintering at 1775 °C for 8h in vacuum. In general, this essential synergistic effect should be adequately considered in the preparation of heterogeneous ion doped transparent ceramics using the co-precipitation method.