Lattice variations in nanocrystalline Y2O3 confined in magnesia (MgO) matrix

A special routine for suppression the grain growth process of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) by confining its nano crystallites in a polycrystalline magnesium oxide (MgO) matrix via the sol-gel method is currently being reported. The binary system of Y2O3-MgO was investigated as a function of the concentration of Y2O3 and calcination temperature. Enhanced isotropic uniform stresses during cooling down caused by the doubled thermal expansion coefficient of the MgO matrix were calculated. Both effects of applied hydrostatic pressure and inhibited grain growth of Y2O3 on the crystallographic phase transitions and morphology were investigated in the unique system of Y2O3-MgO. •Grain growth process of Y2O3 was suppressed by confining its nano particles in MgO.•The MgO matrix exerted pressure on the embedded Y2O3 nanoparticles.•The influence on the lattice parameter of cubic Y2O3 was investigated.•The hydrostatic pressure during cooling down was calculated.•The pressure was influenced by the calcination temperature and concentration of Y2O3.