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

Zr4+ ion doping is an effective method to enhance the optical and mechanical qualities of Y2O3 transparent ceramics. In most previous studies, slowing down densification and inhibiting grain growth of Y2O3 ceramic are generally recognized as the primary function of Zr4+ additive during sintering. In this work, an interesting simultaneous precipitation phenomenon of Zr4+ and Y3+ ions was discovered and it directly led to the refinement of precursors and Y2O3 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 Y2O3 ceramics were further investigated in detail. By doping 3.0 at.% Zr4+ ions, Y2O3 transparent ceramics with a transmittance as high as 82.3% at 1064 nm could be realized, after sintering at 1775 degrees 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 coprecipitation method.