Effect of ultrarapid quenching on the structure and mechanical properties of Nb 2 O 5 and Ta 2 O 5

We have studied the detailed structure and mechanical properties of the Nb 2 O 5 and Ta 2 O 5 pentoxides after ultrarapid quenching in comparison with the properties of Nb 2 O 5 and Ta 2 O 5 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 Nb 2 O 5 and Ta 2 O 5 . At the same time, HIL processing and quenching lead to structural disordering of the Nb 2 O 5 and Ta 2 O 5 pentoxides.