TRANSPARENT CERAMICS & THEIR COMPOSITE SYSTEMS FOR PROTECTIVE WINDOW APPLICATIONS

Abstract

In this industrially-oriented work, highly transparent magnesium aluminate spinel was fabricated through field assisted sintering of compositional powders under relatively low pressing forces. Additionally, a comparison between reactive and non-reactive sintering was made. To better position transparent ceramics in the industry, it is crucial to establish a method to join these materials and achieve suitable properties for targeted applications. A transparent bonding method was developed for the joining of transparent ceramics. Microstructural characteristics, as well as both mechanical and optical properties of the bond formed were also studied, with tests conducted in close relation to the environment of the intended functional system incorporating the bonding agent. Finally, a functional transparent protective window system of a mosaic design comprising a plurality of transparent ceramic tiles was developed and studied, with the developed bond evaluated also as an acoustic couplant for the system.