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

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.