Structure, Mechanical and Luminescent Properties of Solid Solution (Y0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01)Nb0.7Ta0.3O4

Abstract

Ceramic samples of polycomponent solid solution (Y0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01)Nb0.7Ta0.3O4 have been prepared by sol–gel synthesis from fine powders obtained using nitrate solutions of rare earth elements REE and coprecipitated hydroxides of niobium and tantalum. The structural state of the initial powders’ crystal lattice has been investigated. The morphological features of the microstructure of the ceramics samples have been studied in dependence of temperature regimes of their preparation. The ceramics’ strength characteristics (Young’s modulus) and the critical stress intensity factor of the mode I KIC have been estimated. Cathode- and photoluminescent properties of ceramic solid solutions (Y0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01)Nb0.7Ta0.3O4 have been studied.