Effect of nucleating agents on YIG crystallization in Na2O–SiO2–Y2O3–Fe2O3 glass system

Abstract

The effect of nucleating agents such as 2 mole % of P₂O₅ or TiO₂ on the crystallization of yttrium iron garnet in Na₂O–SiO₂–Y₂O₃–Fe₂O₃ glass system has been studied using x‐ray diffraction, Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), magnetization measurements, and optical microscopy. Each glass was given a two‐stage heat treatment before being investigated. X‐ray diffractograms of all the heat‐treated samples show the presence of YIG as well as another magnetic crystalline phase. Magnetization studies confirm the presence of two magnetic phases. Magnetization and x‐ray data indicate that P₂O₅ is a better nucleating agent than TiO₂. Optical micrographs also show a fine and homogeneous grain distribution for the sample containing these nucleating agents.