Microstructure and optical property of transparent yttria produced by spark plasma sintering

Abstract

Yttria is a promising material for application in high-power lasers, infrared windows and high temperature refractories. Transparent yttria (Y₂O₃) body was fabricated by spark plasma sintering in this study. Effects of the sintering temperature on relative density, microstructure, optical and mechanical properties of Y₂O₃ body were investigated. Highest transmittance was obtained in the Y₂O₃ body sintered at a sintering temperature of 1573 K and after annealing at 1323 K, showing a value of 55.0% and 81.7% at 550 and 2000 nm, respectively.