Composition Materials in the CaF2–BaF2 System

Composite nanomaterials (1 – x)CaF2–xBaF2 with 0.4 ≤ х ≤ 0.6 have been prepared by directional melt crystallization in a fluorinating atmosphere. The structural, optical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposites are studied. Biphasic (1 – x)CaF2–xBaF2 composites have a lamellar fine microstructure. The lamella thickness decreases with an increase in the BaF2 content and reaches 30–50 nm for the composition with x = 0.5. The composites retain high transparency in the IR range (close to the values for the initial components). The microhardness (НV ≈ 5.0 GPa) and ionic conductivity (σdc = (1–3) × 103 S/cm at 823 K) of these composites exceed significantly the corresponding parameters of CaF2 and BaF2 crystals. The fluoride nanocomposites under investigation are promising materials for practical applications in photonics and solid-state ionics.