Synthesis, microstructure, mechanical properties and luminescence of a ceramics Gd(NbxTa1−x)O4

Ceramic solid solutions GdNbxTa1−xO4 (x=0–1) were synthesized by sol–gel. Morphological particularities of microstructure were studied, strength characteristics (Young’s modulus) and stress intensity factor for mode I KIC were evaluated. The latter is a criterion of crack resistance of the material. Luminescent properties of solid solutions GdNbxTa1−xO4 were researched under UV exciting radiation. A comparatively small addition of Ta (x=0.9) was shown to increase luminescence intensities of centers Nb4+–O−. An addition of Ta to GdNbO4 leads to creation of solid solution GdNb0.9Ta0.1O4. Intensity of these centers is 3–6.5 times larger than that of GdNbO4 and GdTaO4.