Combined DTA and XRD Study of Sintering Steps Towards YAl3(BO3)4

Sintering processes in the Y₂O₃–Al₂O₃–B₂ O₃ system and its subsystems (Y₂O₃–B₂O₃ and Al₂ O₃–B₂O₃) have been investigated by using combined DTA and XRD measurements to get a better understanding of solid state chemical changes resulting in the formation of yttrium aluminum borate (YAl₃(BO₃)₄, YAB) phase and to study the possible role and contribution of various simple borates formed also in the former processes. Two new exothermic heat effects of YBO₃ formation have been detected by DTA in the Y₂O₃–B₂O₃ system between 720 and 980°C. In the Al₂O₃–B₂O₃ system a new experimental XRD profile of Al₄B₂O₉ was observed. Formation of these borates seems to promote the nucleation of double borate YAB below 1000°C. Conversion of Al₄B₂O₉ to Al₁₈B₄ O₃₃ was observed after a long term (10 h) sintering at 1050°C. Similarly, an increased formation of YAB has been observed as a product of the sintering reaction between YBO₃ and Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ at 1150°C. The two latter single borates are found to be identical with the high temperature decomposition products of YAB. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.