Low temperature synthesis and characterization of YAG nanopowders by polyacrylamide gel method

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG, Y 3 Al 5 O 12 )nanopowders were synthesized by a polyacrylamide gel method at a much lower temperature of 900   °C than using the traditional methods. This synthesis process was thoroughly investigated including an examination of the phase transformation, the particle size and agglomeration degree at different molar ratios of monomer to the precursor salt and the calcination temperature. A high mole ratio of monomer to the precursor salt led to low formation temperature of YAG, resulting from the high homogeneity and reduced particle size of the precursor. Consequently, weak-agglomerated YAG nanopowder with an average particle size of 35   nm can be prepared at a calcination temperature of 900   °C for 2   h. The as-prepared YAG nanopowder showed excellent sinter-ability.