Structure-transmittance relationship in transparent ceramics

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 785; pp. 260 - 285
• Main Authors: Shahbazi, H., Tataei, M., Enayati, M.H., Shafeiey, A., Malekabadi, M. Azizi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15-05-2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Absorption; Ceramics; Medical devices; Medical electronics; Optical materials; Optical simulation; Optics; Parameters; Physical properties; Protective coatings; Reflection; Refractivity; Simulation; Smartphones; Surgical implants; Transmittance; Transparent ceramics; Wear resistance; Physical properties; Transparent ceramics; Optical simulation
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.01.124

Transparent ceramics are a kind of optical materials which have a wide range of applications in various engineering sectors, including the medical devices (implants, anti-wear coatings), cars, smartphones (anti-wear and shockproof plates), watches (anti-wear and anti-shock lenses with high strength), optical lenses, etc. Control of various parameters like the volume fraction of secondary phase, the grain size of the main and secondary phase, and the number of pores in unit volume, which affect the absorption, reflection and finally the transparency of ceramics, is a vital issue. Studying the physical aspects besides applying the principles of simulation is a very efficient way to achieve this aim. Simulation of the behavior of ceramics helps to attain optimized parameters. Therefore, to accomplish an optical ceramic with prominent transparency and admissible transmittance in selective wavelengths, the appropriate simulation theory should be used. In this paper, first, the physical basis of optical ceramics including band gaps, absorption, reflection, diffraction, refractive index, refraction, dispersion, etc., are briefly presented. Additionally, different simulation theories are reviewed and discussed.
•Critical reviewing of basic requirements for optically transparent ceramics.•Introducing the most important factors, which affect the transparency of ceramics.•Comparing the scattering theories presented to investigate the transparency of the ceramics.