MgO SC-100
Grade · default condition
Use as the default: the (100) orientation is the most common substrate for epitaxy of perovskite oxide films and also serves as a polished infrared window.
Values for the SC-100 condition
Other MgO tempers and conditions
MgO is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at MgO.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
alternate-orientation single crystal | Choose this non-(100) oriented wafer when the film demands a specific lattice symmetry, for example hexagonal-phase layers or magnetic tunnel junctions. | — | 110 | 0 | 650 HV | 50 W/m·K |
Sintered 99 % | Use the pressed and sintered opaque 99 % ceramic for non-optical high-temperature duty to 1700 °C — crucibles, thermocouple insulating tubes and furnace parts — as the economical option. | — | — | — | 550 HV | 30 W/m·K |
SC-100DefaultThis page SC | Use as the default: the (100) orientation is the most common substrate for epitaxy of perovskite oxide films and also serves as a polished infrared window. | — | — | — | 600 HV | 50 W/m·K |
hot-pressed transparent polycrystalline MgO (IR window) | Pick the hot-pressed transparent polycrystalline form for large-aperture infrared windows and domes when higher strength and freedom from cleavage planes outweigh slightly lower transmission. | — | — | — | 640 HV | 40 W/m·K |
What is MgO SC-100?
MgO SC-100 is MgO in the SC-100 grade — use as the default: the (100) orientation is the most common substrate for epitaxy of perovskite oxide films and also serves as a polished infrared window. MgO SC-100 has a tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi), stronger than 80% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 249 GPa (36.1 Msi). MgO SC-100 has a density of 3.58 g/cm³ (0.129 lb/in³), heavier than 69% of glass grades. It melts at 2,825°C (5,117 °F).
Advantages
- High service temperature — 1,200°C (2,192 °F), better than 94% of glass grades
- Stiff — 249 GPa (36.1 Msi), better than 93% of glass grades
- Conducts heat well — 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of glass grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), better than 87% of glass grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 5/100, worse than 92% of glass grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 84% of glass grades
MgO SC-100 properties
Typical room-temperature values for MgO SC-100; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are MgO reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among glass grades.
Physical5
MgO SC-100 has a density of 3.58 g/cm³ (0.129 lb/in³), heavier than 69% of glass grades. It melts at 2,825°C (5,117 °F).
Mechanical11
MgO SC-100 has a tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi), stronger than 80% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 249 GPa (36.1 Msi).
Thermal5
MgO SC-100 is rated for continuous service to 1,200°C (2,192 °F). It conducts heat at 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of glass grades. Thermal expansion is 10.5 µm/m·K (5.83 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
MgO SC-100 is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm (508 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 84% of glass grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of MgO SC-100 takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3 kg of CO₂ — less than 58% of glass grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability2
MgO SC-100's machinability is not recommended (5/100, worse than 92% of glass grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with MgO SC-100
Is MgO easy to machine?
Diamond sawing, grinding and lapping only. The {100} cleavage planes chip readily, so orient cuts away from cleavage directions and use low feeds with ample water-free coolant.
Can MgO be welded?
Not weldable as a ceramic. Join to metals by active-metal brazing (Ti/Ag-Cu) or by Mo-Mn metallization followed by nickel plating and brazing, matching CTE to avoid thermal-stress cracking.
Can MgO be formed, bent or molded?
Single crystals are grown by arc fusion or directional solidification and then sliced. Polycrystalline parts are dry- or isostatically pressed from high-purity magnesia and sintered at 1600-1750 °C; transparent grades require hot pressing or HIP.
What surface finishes work on MgO?
CMP gives epi-ready surfaces below 0.5 nm Ra. Store polished parts in dry nitrogen or vacuum bags; IR windows are normally AR-coated, which also serves as a moisture barrier, and a 400-600 °C vacuum anneal before use removes surface hydroxide.
MgO chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CaOtypical trace impurity | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| SiO2typical trace impurity | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Al2O3typical trace impurity | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Fe2O3colouring impurity, degrades IR transmission | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| MgOoptical/substrate grade purity; Mg 60.3 wt %, O 39.7 wt % | ≥ 99.9 (balance) | — |
MgO SC-100 — frequently asked
What is MgO SC-100 used for?
MgO SC-100 is typically used for IR windows, thin-film epitaxial substrates and high-temperature optics. In short: lattice-matched oxide substrate; hygroscopic, dry storage required; 1200 °C service limit.
What is the tensile strength of MgO SC-100?
MgO SC-100 has a typical tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) — stronger than 80% of glass grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is MgO SC-100 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (5/100, worse than 92% of glass grades). Diamond sawing, grinding and lapping only. The {100} cleavage planes chip readily, so orient cuts away from cleavage directions and use low feeds with ample water-free coolant.
Can MgO SC-100 be welded?
Not weldable as a ceramic. Join to metals by active-metal brazing (Ti/Ag-Cu) or by Mo-Mn metallization followed by nickel plating and brazing, matching CTE to avoid thermal-stress cracking.
What surface finishes work on MgO SC-100?
CMP gives epi-ready surfaces below 0.5 nm Ra. Store polished parts in dry nitrogen or vacuum bags; IR windows are normally AR-coated, which also serves as a moisture barrier, and a 400-600 °C vacuum anneal before use removes surface hydroxide.
Can MgO SC-100 be formed, bent or molded?
Single crystals are grown by arc fusion or directional solidification and then sliced. Polycrystalline parts are dry- or isostatically pressed from high-purity magnesia and sintered at 1600-1750 °C; transparent grades require hot pressing or HIP.
What is the maximum service temperature of MgO SC-100?
MgO SC-100 is rated for continuous use to about 1,200°C (2,192 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- The Crystran Handbook of Infra-Red and Ultra-Violet Optical Materials — Magnesium Oxide — Crystran Ltd (2023)
- ASM Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4: Ceramics and Glasses — ASM International (1991)
- CRC Materials Science and Engineering Handbook (4th ed.) — CRC Press (2015)
- MgO single crystal substrate specifications — MTI Corporation / SurfaceNet GmbH (2024)
- Handbook of Optical Constants of Solids — MgO dispersion data — Academic Press (1998)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.