Effect of additives on the sintering of MgAl2O4

The effect of additives on the densification of stoichiometric spinel was investigated. SiO2, CaCO3 and TiO2 are used as additives to spinel composition in the range of 1-4 wt%. Densification behavior is investigated by dilatometry measurement and the sintered body is characterized in terms of microstructure, phase formation and change in lattice parameter. In case of SiO2 and CaCO3 additions, the densification was significantly enhanced with the additives by forming glassy phases in grain boundary region. The addition of TiO2 resulted in the formation of secondary phase at grain boundaries and inside grains along with enhanced densification. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.