Laser Absorbency of Samarium Borate Prepared by Solid-State Reaction

Submicron SmBO₃ powders were prepared by solid-state reaction method using H₃BO₃ and Sm₂O₃ powders as starting materials. The phase evolution, morphologies and laser absorbency of the synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and reflectivity analyzer. The results showed that the powders calcined at 800 °C consisted of a little amount of intermediate phase of Sm(BO₂)₃ besides the main crystalline phase of SmBO₃. However, at 900 °C, the intermediate phase disappeared and the single, pure SmBO₃ phase was obtained. The prepared powders were aggregated and uniform with irregular morphologies and an average original particle size of about 500 nm. The FTIR showed that an apparent absorbent peak appeared at the wavelength of 10.6 μm laser. Moreover, the reflectivity of the powders apparently decreased at the wavelength of 1.064 μm laser. The synthesized SmBO₃ powders might may be a kind of promising absorbent of laser camouflage materials.