Light scattering in monodisperse systems - from suspensions to transparent ceramics

Predicting the in-line transmittance of transparent ceramics via model calculations is a useful guide for materials design and optimization of preparation process. However, the absence of reliable input information (volume fractions and size) usually precludes the direct verification of these calculations. On the other hand, suspensions, which can be prepared with well controlled volume fractions of the solids selected, may serve as model systems that are amenable to verification. This paper describes the procedure to perform these calculations, and compares calculated data for suspensions of monodisperse spheres of amorphous silica with spectrophotometric measurements of silica monosphere suspensions with four different concentrations. Moreover, completely analogous model calculations are performed for bubbles in silica glass and pores in spinet ceramics. The results are discussed on the basis on 3D graphs, the use of which is highly recommended. The results may be considered as a benchmark for future model calculations for polydisperse systems.