Fabrication of transparent yttria ceramics through the synthesis of yttrium hydroxide at low temperature and doping by sulfate ions

Thin flakes of yttrium hydroxide coagulate in a manner similar to the houses of cards at an aging temperature lower than room temperature. Increasing the temperature results in an increase in the thickness of the flakes together with collapse of the structure of the house of cards. Relatively thick tablets of yttrium hydroxide appear at temperatures above approximately 50 degrees C. Sulfate ions enhance the sinterability of yttria irrespective of the aging temperature of yttrium hydroxide, and have an influence on the transparency of yttria ceramics. Both the aging of yttrium hydroxide at temperatures lower than room temperature and the doping of sulfate ions are essential to the fabrication of transparent yttria ceramics using the present method.