Combustion synthesis of a nanoceramic and its transparent properties

La0.1Nd0.1Y1.8O3 transparent ceramics nanopowders were prepared using the combustion synthesis. To achieve such transparent ceramics, Y2O3 were used as matrix materials and La3+ and Nd3+ were used as dopants, polyethyleneglycol (PEG) as dispersants for the sintering under vacuum 10−3 Pa and 1600 °C for 6 h. The precursor and powders calcined at different temperatures were characterized using TG-DTA, XRD, BET and FESEM. The transmittance of the transparent ceramics was measured using the sub-photometer. Results showed that La3+ and Nd3+ were completely dissolved into the cubic lattice of Y2O3. The sizes of Y1.8La0.1Nd0.1O3 powders were uniform and spherical-like. The particle sizes of powders gradually increased with increasing the calcination temperature. The dispersant can effectively prevent the powders from the agglomeration, and the particle sizes of powders gradually increased with increasing citric acid. The transmittance of the Y1.8La0.1Nd0.1O3 transparent ceramics was close to its theoretical value (80%).