Effect of ultrarapid quenching on the structure and mechanical properties of Nb2O5 and Ta2O5

Resumo

We have studied the detailed structure and mechanical properties of the Nb₂O₅ and Ta₂O₅ pentoxides after ultrarapid quenching in comparison with the properties of Nb₂O₅ and Ta₂O₅ ceramics prepared by a conventional ceramic processing technique and using high-intensity light (HIL) in an optical furnace. The results demonstrate that high-energy processing (HIL and ultrarapid quenching) improves the hardness and strength of Nb₂O₅ and Ta₂O₅. At the same time, HIL processing and quenching lead to structural disordering of the Nb₂O₅ and Ta₂O₅ pentoxides.