Insight into the scavenger effect of LiF on extinction of a carboxylate group for mid-infrared transparent Y₂O₃-MgO nanocomposite

Y2O3-MgO nanocomposite is introduced for infrared transparent ceramics due to its superior optical and mechanical characteristics. However, severe optical scattering and unnecessary absorption in the near- and mid-infrared regions restrict the applications of this material. Here, a broad mid-infrared transparent Y2O3-MgO nanocomposite is achieved for the first time through low temperature sintering using an LiF additive. The influence of LiF is successfully demonstrated on the mid-infrared transparency of the as-sintered and post-annealed nanocomposites. Spectroscopic analysis are also performed, and primary absorption factors of the Y2O3-MgO transparent ceramics are revealed. This study is a step toward designing widely utilized transparent ceramics. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.