Phase and microstructural evolution of yttrium-doped nanocrystalline alumina: a contribution of advanced microscopy techniques

Well-dispersed nano-crystalline transition alumina suspensions were mixed with yttrium chloride aqueous solutions, with the aim of producing Al2O3–Y3Al5O12 (YAG) composite powders. DTA analysis allowed to highlight the role of yttrium on the α-phase crystallization path. Systematic XRD and HRTEM analyses were carried out in parallel on powders calcined in a wide temperature range (600–1300 °C) in order to follow phase and microstructural evolution. A thin, homogeneous yttrium-rich layer was yielded on the alumina particles surface; yttrium diffusion into the alumina matrix was negligible up to 1150 °C whereas, starting from 1200 °C, aggregates of partially sintered alumina particles appeared, stuck together by yttrium-rich thin films. Moreover, in the yttrium-richer zones, such as alumina grain boundaries and triple joints, yttrium-aluminates precipitated at alumina particles surface. Finally, at 1300 °C, alumina–YAG composite powders were produced, in which YAG was homogenously distributed among the alumina grains.