Structural changes from processing in polytype‐rich zinc sulfide (ZnS) are complex and poorly understood. In this study, recrystallization was induced in chemical vapor deposited ZnS by annealing and hot isostatic pressing (HIPping). Samples were characterized using optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, electron diffraction, polycrystalline and powder X‐ray diffraction, and transmission spectroscopy. Recrystallization was found to reduce the hexagonality and increase the {111} texture of as‐deposited ZnS. Changes in hexagonality and texture can occur independently of each other. HIPped ZnS with superior transmission exhibits both a change in texture and a reduction in hexagonal content. Reduction in hexagonality, alone, was not sufficient to improve optical transmission from the visible to the infrared. For the first time, the effects of pressure, temperature, and the presence of platinum on recrystallization during commercial ZnS HIPping are separated and identified. Platinum was found to actively promote recrystallization and silver demonstrated a similar effect. Several theories focusing on the unique polytypic nature of ZnS are offered to explain the changes in structure and properties occurring during recrystallization. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the nature of order–disorder and martensitic phase transformations in ceramic materials.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.