Optical properties of in situ toughened ScLu–α-SiAlON

Novel in situ toughened ScLu–α-SiAlON ceramics with high optical transmittance were prepared by hot-pressing. The obtained material achieves the maximum transmittance of ∼60% in the region of 2500–5000nm for the sample of 1.0mm in thickness. The development of elongated microstructure does not result in an obviously adverse effect on optical transmittance. This indicates that it is possible to produce α-SiAlON ceramics with good mechanical and optical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]