Hot-pressing of bimodally distributed magnesium fluoride powder

In the present study, nearly dense polycrystalline magnesium fluoride ceramics were fabricated by hot-press sintering, using bimodal size distribution MgF2 powder. Densification was carried out at 710 °C under 300 MPa pressure for 60 min. The effect of weight percent of ultrafine powder on densification and also transparency, hardness and density of the samples produced are discussed. The results shown that sample with 15 wt.% ultrafine component, has the highest transparency, density, hardness, and a well developed microstructure, containing the lowest amount of porosities with small size.