Effects of sintering temperature on the microstructural properties of Al2O3–Y2O3 powder mixtures

In this study, YAlO3 (YAP) was produced at low temperatures by a powder sintering process. Al2O3–Y2O3 powder mixtures were subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures. The relationship between the sintering temperature and the emergence of new phases was investigated via X-ray diffraction, and supported by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The crystallization of the monoclinic yttrium aluminum oxide (Y4Al2O9) occurred at 1 000 °C, whereas the yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAlO3) crystallization occurred at 1 100°C. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed yttrium content in the sample containing Al2O3–YAlO3 powder sintered at 1100 °C, associated with the YAlO3 phase formed at this temperature. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis showed a significant decrease in the pore volume of the sample sintered at 1 100°C.