Structural and mechanical properties of (Co/Mg) co-doped nano ZnO

The (Co/Mg) co-doped ZnO systems (ZnMgCoO) were synthesized as polycrystalline nanoparticles using the sol gel technique. The effects of Co/Mg co-addition to the structural and mechanical properties of ZnO nanoparticles were investigated. Microstructural properties, such as phases, crystal structures and grain sizes are characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The microhardness values of the samples were evaluated by the Vickers tester. In the samples of the Co > Mg ratio, Indentation Size Effect (ISE) behaviors were observed. On the other hand, in the samples of the Mg > Co ratio, Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE) was observed. These were analyzed in detail utilizing the models for materials hardness analysis found in literature. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.