Production of Y2O3 transparent ceramics synthesized through the urea homogeneous decomposition route

• Grant number: 25/03287-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Edson Roberto Leite
• Grantee: Raphael Martinez Garcia
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to produce transparent Y2O3 ceramics from submicrometric spheres of this material synthesized through the urea homogeneous decomposition precipitation method. The importance of producing these ceramics lies in their use as scintillators, which find advanced applications, such as solid-state lasers and high-energy radiation detectors - the latter being of paramount importance to Brazil, given that the Sirius particle accelerator, symbol of brazilian technology, still uses imported scintillators in its synchrotron light detectors. Specifically, the spherical geometry of the particles produced by this route favors the compaction of the material during the forming of the part to be produced, reducing the size of the pores in the green body and, consequently, facilitating the sintering process. Therefore, the present project aims to explore the behavior of particle compaction and its influence on sintering. Throughout the project, studies will be carried out investigating (i) the obtaining of dense and disaggregated particles by controlling the conditions of the calcination stage, (ii) conformation of the powder by pressing and slip casting and (iii) sintering of the green bodies, exploring the use of sintering agents and advanced sintering techniques. (AU)