The Effect of Processing Conditions on the Radiation Fusion Efficiency of Nanocrystalline YAG:Ce Ceramics

Radiation synthesis differs from known methods in its high rate of energy input. Radiation energy is instantly introduced into the entire volume of the charge, which is 6 to 12 mm thick, depending on the electron energy. The introduced energy is used to create electronic excitations, the relaxation of which results in the formation of a new material, IAG: Ceramics made from Y₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ powders with a Ce₂O₃ activator. The overall ceramic formation process is independent of electron energy in the range of 1.4–2.5 MeV. The efficiency of radiation synthesis of IAG: Ceramics depends on the power density of the electron flux incident on the surface of the treated charge and the duration of radiation treatment. There is a clearly defined threshold for the power density of the electron flux above which synthesis occurs: that is, the density of the generated electronic excitations and radiolysis products upon decay must exceed the threshold values. The morphology of the synthesized ceramic is determined by the irradiation time. When the irradiation time of the feedstock is less than 1 s, the outer surface has time to solidify, resulting in a ceramic with large pores. When the irradiation time of the feedstock exceeds 5 s, the porosity of the resulting ceramic is much lower.