Structure, microstructure, mechanical and luminescent properties of (Y0.96Еu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01)NbO4 ceramics obtained by uniaxial hot pressing.

Fine powders of yttrium orthoniobate activated by Eu, Sm, Tb, Er have been synthesized by the sol-gel. The synthesized powders have been calcined at different temperatures (1000, 1100 and 1180 °C). Luminescent ceramics (Y 0.96 Еu 0.01 Sm 0.01 Tb 0.01 Er 0.01)NbO 4 were prepared from fine powders by uniaxial hot pressing (UHP) via various technological modes. For the first time, the crystal structure, microstructure, spectral composition, photoluminescence properties of (Y 0.96 Еu 0.01 Sm 0.01 Tb 0.01 Er 0.01)NbO 4 ceramics have been studied depending on the temperature conditions of the synthesis of powders and UHP conditions during sintering of ceramics. The mechanical properties of these ceramics (Young's modulus, microhardness and critical stress intensity factor for the mode I K IC) have been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]