Room-temperature densification of MgO bulk ceramics with dispersed nitride phosphor particles

Wave conversion materials with high thermal conductivity are necessary for high-power semiconductor lighting. Ceramics have higher thermal conductivity than existing matrices such as resin or glass in which phosphor particles are dispersed. However, the high densification of ceramics generally requires high-temperature sintering, which degrades and alters the phosphor particles. In this study, we aimed to achieve the high densification of MgO ceramics at room temperature. Applying high hydrostatic pressure with water addition improved the sample packing ratio and promoted the formation of Mg(OH)2. As a result, the relative density was ≥95%. Additionally, various nitride phosphor particles (CaAlSiN3:Eu2+, β-SiAlON:Eu2+, and α-SiAlON:Eu2+) were dispersed in the MgO matrix at room temperature without degrading the luminescence property. The thermal conductivity of the obtained sample was about 8 W m−1K−1, 40 times higher than that of the epoxy matrix.