Improvement on optical and mechanical properties of Y₂O₃-MgO composites via the enhancement of phase homogeneity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optical Materials
• Ceramic Composites

Background:

• Yttrium oxide-magnesium oxide (Y₂O₃-MgO) composites are key optical materials for demanding applications.
• Optimizing phase homogeneity and grain size is crucial for enhancing their optical and mechanical performance.
• Quantitative data on the relationship between phase homogeneity and properties in Y₂O₃-MgO composites is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively analyze the impact of phase homogeneity on Y₂O₃-MgO composite properties.
• To establish a gradient parameter for phase homogeneity using solvothermal synthesis.
• To improve mid-infrared optical performance through controlled phase homogeneity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Y₂O₃-MgO composites via solvothermal synthesis with controlled temperature.
• Quantification of phase homogeneity as a gradient parameter.
• Evaluation of optical properties, specifically transmittance at ~6 μm, and grain size.

Main Results:

• Increased phase homogeneity led to reduced scattering and smaller grain sizes.
• Transmittance at ~6 μm significantly improved from ~5.5% to ~81.5% with enhanced homogeneity.
• Solvothermal temperature effectively regulated phase homogeneity and subsequent material properties.

Conclusions:

• Phase homogeneity is a critical, quantifiable parameter for optimizing Y₂O₃-MgO optical composites.
• Controlled fabrication based on phase homogeneity offers a pathway to superior mid-infrared optical materials.
• This study provides a reference for gradient analysis and property optimization in advanced optical composites.