A. Orlova, N. V. Malanina, V. Chuvil’deev
Aug 22, 2014
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Journal
Radiochemistry
Abstract
Praseodymium and neodymium phosphates Ca9Ln(PO4)7 of the whitlockite structure were synthesized in the form of powders via solid-phase reactions at high temperatures and in the form of ceramics using the two-step pressing + sintering process and one-step high-rate spark plasma sputtering (SPS) procedure. According to X-ray diffraction data, the phosphates were structural analogs of calcium phosphate, namely, of its low-temperature modification β-Ca3(PO4)2, space group R3c. The particle size in the powders was 80–110 nm. The relative densities of the ceramics reached 99% when using SPS. The optimum conditions were found for obtaining high-density ceramics containing Pr and Nd. Their mechanical characteristics (microhardness, cracking resistance) were determined, and the microstructure was characterized.