Abstract
Microstructure and mechanical properties of translucent polycrystalline spinel ceramics for the optical materials have been investigated. The highest bending strength of polycrystalline spinel ceramics, which was fabricated by various sintering conditions, was higher than that of sapphire for the optical ceramics in wide use. Fracture toughness measured by the SEVNB method and fracture strength of polycrystalline spinel tended to be increased with decreasing of average grain diameter.