4. Conclusion

Transparent ceramics can be considered innovative materials, as they are the result of a mastery of often complex production processes. Although the first truly transparent alumina-based ceramics were produced in the 60s, the development of ceramic processes has greatly improved their performance and broadened the range of compositions available. Today, it is possible to finely control their composition, microstructure - particularly grain size and residual porosity - and ultimately their properties of use.

The development prospects for these materials are numerous, and rely to a large extent on the flexibility of ceramic processes. It is thus possible to envisage the development of new compositions, including non-cubic crystalline systems through processes that promote grain orientation, as well as the manufacture of large parts with complex shapes or architecture,...