Effect of cobalt oxide on the sintering and grain growth of Al2O3-YAG composite nanopowder

In the present study, the effect of cobalt oxide on the densification of Al2O3-YAG composite nanopowder was investigated. An amorphous nanopowder was synthesized and crystallized to Al2O3-YAG after heat-treatment via a solid-state reaction. The average particle size of heat-treated powder at 800?C was about 80 nm. Cobalt oxide improved the sintering rate of Al2O3-YAG composite nanopowders and promoted grain boundary mobility. Cobalt oxide doping increased the ratio of densification/grain growth rate. The activation energy for grain growth decreased from 590 to 485 kJ/mol by adding cobalt oxide to the composite nanopowder.