Zirconia-magnesium aluminate spinel composite

Abstract

The synthesis of ZrO2-MgAl2O4 composite using a solid-oxide reaction and sintering at high temperature was reported. Lightly calcined magnesia and calcined Al2O3 were mixed and then heat-treated at 1400°C for 2 h for synthesis of ZrO 2-MgAl2O4. The powders were shaped in the form of bars using uniaxial pressing in the presence of 5% polyvinyl alcohol as binder and then isostatically pressed at 125 MPa. Bulk density versus ZrO 2 content was measured at various sintering temperatures. It was confirmed that densification was improved by increasing firing temperature. The results also confirmed that the flexural strength at room temperature and at 1300°C increased with increased ZrO2content and sintering temperature.