Oxide/oxide composites in the system Cr2O3-Y2O3-Al2O3

Ceramic compacts in the systems Al₂O₃–Y₂O₃, Cr₂O₃–Y₂O₃ and Y₃(Cr_yAl_1-y)₅O₁₂ (Cr-doped YAG) were prepared by solid state reaction in calcined co-precipitated powder mixtures of appropriate compositions. Various solid-solution phases were formed, e.g. Y₃(Al_1-xCr_x)₅O₁₂, YAl_yCr_1-yO₃ and Al_2-xCr_xO₃. Composite materials in the pseudo-binary or ternary systems Al₂O₃–Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Cr₂O₃–Y₂O₃ and Y₃(Al_1–xCr_x)₅O₁₂–YAl_yCr_1–yO₃–(Al_zCr_1?z)₂O₃ were obtained by hot-pressing appropriate powder precursors at 1600–1650°C for 1 h. The microstructure of the prepared materials was studied in a scanning electron microscope with element analysis facilities. X-ray diffraction was used to reveal the phases present and their lattice parameters. The chemical compatibility of these phases was investigated. The results are discussed with a special emphasis on the solubility of Cr in the YAG structure, and on the compatibility relationship between Cr-doped YAG and its neighbouring phases. A gel-coating process for preparing Al₂O₃–YAG composites with tailored microstructures is also described.