Garnet-perovskite transformations in the Sm 2O 3Ga 2O 3 and Gd 2O 3Ga 2O 3 systems

The effect of heating garnet melts to various temperatures has been investigated. The previously reported decomposition of the garnet phase due to loss of Ga ₂O ₃ was corroborated. However, it was also observed that when gallium oxide loss is prevented and the maximum temperature of the melt exceeds a critical value, phase separation of garnet to perovskite and β-gallium oxide occurs: RE ₃Ga₅O₁₂⇆3RE GaO₃+ Ga₂O₃. The reverse reaction will occur by reheating the two-phase mixture to the garnet melting point.