Crystal growth of ZrW2O8 and its optical and mechanical characterization

► A self-seeding self-fluxing method for growth of ZrW2O8 single crystals is developed. ► ZrW2O8 single crystals were transparent to mid wave IR indicating its applicability as IR window materials. ► Mechanical properties of ZrW2O8 single crystals were studied for the first time using nanoindentation.