Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) - A novel sintering additive for the preparation of transparent YAG ceramics via SPS

The effect of MgF2 as a sintering additive for the preparation of YAG ceramics via spark plasma sintering (SPS) is investigated with promising results, as nearly complete densification (0.58% porosity) is achieved at relatively low temperature and moderate pressure. Higher temperature and dwell time resulted in a translucent/trans-parent body. On the other side, significant grain growth was observed with MgF2 addition.