Translucent Tin Dioxide Ceramics Obtained by Natural Sintering

Abstract

Dense SnO 2 ‐based ceramics (relative density >95%) have been obtained by natural sintering at a moderate temperature (≤ 1300°C) with the help of a small amount of manganese. Further thermal treatments above 1500°C result in grain growth and transport of manganese toward the sample surface. If the ceramic is embedded inside alumina powder, the diffusion of Mn out of the sample and into alumina during such heat treatments leads to a manganese‐free body (<40 ppm) which is translucent. The transmission in the visible region depends on sample thickness; 61% was achieved for a 0.05 mm thick sample.