YAG powder synthesis by the modified citrate process

Nd:YAG powder was synthesized by the citrate process. Isopropyl alcohol promotes crystallization of the final phase. Heating the samples using the DTA equipment to pre-selected temperatures allowed us to follow the formation of phases in the system. It was found that the primary phase consists of non-stoichiometric YAG and YAP (YAlO3). The amorphous phase present in the system reacts with the crystalline phases and finally the stoichiometric YAG appears. Compacts of the agglomerated final powder achieve higher density during sintering performed at slow rate of temperature increase compared to fast firing.