Combustion synthesis of a nanoceramic and its transparent properties

La_0.1Nd_0.1Y_1.8O₃ 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 Y_1.8La_0.1Nd_0.1O₃ 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 Y_1.8La_0.1Nd_0.1O₃ transparent ceramics was close to its theoretical value (80%).