Laser scattering, transmittance and low thermal expansion behaviors in (ZnLi) x Mo3O12 by forming regular grains.

Ceramics usually have irregular grains, cracking, or porosity, which result in their lightproof. Y₂Mo₃O₁₂ ceramics have more porosity due to the heavy hygroscopicity. Introducing ZnLi to Y₂Mo₃O₁₂ could form regular grains, reduce cracking and porosity. With increasing the content of ZnLi, the grain shapes self-assembly gradually and then the laser scattering and transmittance improve. The laser scattering property and transmittance of diverging rays become the best in ceramics (ZnLi)_xMo₃O₁₂ (x=1.0 and 1.2) with regular grains and low thermal expansion. The formation mechanism of regular grains is ascribed to the substitutions of Zn²⁺ and Li⁺ for Y³⁺ in Y₂Mo₃O₁₂ resulting in the preferential growth. The investigation in laser scattering, transmittance and low thermal expansion behaviors of (ZnLi)_xMo₃O₁₂ could pave a way to weaken the strong-laser attack from the high-power laser weapon and the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]