Abstract
Single crystals of stoichiometric spinel (MgAl2O4) were grown by flux method, using a mixture of PbO-PbF2-B2O3 (1:1:x in weight ratio).The crystals obtained were characterized by chemical analysis, measurement of etch pit density and X-ray diffraction topography (Berg-Barrett method).Solubility of MgAl2O4 in the flux was determined by quenching method. An addition of B2O3 to the flux increased the solubility and suppressed the formation of MgF2. The addition of excess B2O3 (more than 23wt%) resulted in the formation of 9Al2O3⋅2B2O3. The addition of 15-20 wt% B2O3 is recommended for growing MgAl2O4 single crystals. For these compositions, the flux has solubility ranging from 21 to 28g MgAl2O4/100g flux at 1200°C.Etch pits were revealed on the {111} surface of the as-grown crystals by treat-ment with hot phosphoric acid. The pit density was approximately 105pits/cm2 and seemed to decrease with the addition of B2O3. The observed pit density was one order or more less than that of the crystals grown by the Verneuil method.Chemical analysis showed that a molar ratio of Al2O3/MgO in the crystal was 1.00 within the experimental error.X-ray topography revealed that the crystals were free from sub-boundaries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
