Abstract
In situ X-ray diffraction measurements at the Advanced Photon Source show that α-Al 2 O 3 and MgAl 2 O 4 react nearly instantaneously and completely, and nearly completely to form single-phase high-alumina spinel during voltage-to-current type of flash sintering experiments. The initial sample was constituted from powders of α-Al 2 O 3 , MgAl 2 O 4 spinel, and cubic 8 mol% Y 2 O 3 -stabilized ZrO 2 (8YSZ) mixed in equal volume fractions, the spinel to alumina molar ratio being 1:1. 5. Specimen temperature was measured by thermal expansion of the platinum standard. These measurements correlated well with a black-body radiation model, using appropriate values for the emissivity of the constituents. Temperatures of 1600-1736°C were reached during the flash, which promoted the formation of alumina-rich spinel. In a second set of experiments, the flash was induced in a current-rate method where the current flowing through the specimen is controlled and increased at a constant rate. In these experiments, we observed the formation of two different compositions of spinel, MgO•3Al 2 O 3 and MgO•1.5Al 2 O 3 , which evolved into a single composition of MgO•2.5Al 2 O 3 as the current continued to increase. In summary, flash sintering is an expedient way to create single-phase, alumina-rich spinel.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Journal | Journal of the American Ceramic Society |
Volume | 102 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2019 |
Keywords
- Alumina
- Composites
- Field assisted sintering technology
- Spinels
- Zirconia: yttria stabilized
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ceramics and Composites
- Materials Chemistry