Synthesis, microstructure, mechanical properties and luminescence of a ceramics Gd(NbxTa1−x)O4
Ceramic solid solutions GdNbx[Formula: see text]O4 ([Formula: see text]–1) were synthesized by sol–gel. Morphological particularities of microstructure were studied, strength characteristics (Young’s modulus) and stress intensity factor for mode I [Formula: see text] were evaluated. The latter is a criterion of crack resistance of the material. Luminescent properties of solid solutions GdNbx[Formula: see text]O4 were researched under UV exciting radiation. A comparatively small addition of Ta ([Formula: see text]) was shown to increase luminescence intensities of centers [Formula: see text]–O−. An addition of Ta to GdNbO4 leads to creation of solid solution [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]O4. Intensity of these centers is 3–6.5 times larger than that of GdNbO4 and GdTaO4.