Synthesis and characterization of single-phase magnesium borate nanorod via solution reaction cum sintering process

Abstract

Magnesium borates (MB) nanorods are widely used as reinforcing materials due to high mechanical strength and resilience to heat and corrosion. However, difficulties in synthesis of single-phase MB continue to reduce the mechanical properties of composites. Herein, a single-phase Magnesium borate (Mg2B2O5) in the form of nanorod has been synthesized using an optimized molar ratio of magnesia (MgO) and boric acid (H3BO3) by combining solution reaction and sintering process. Phase and microstructural changes of as synthesized magnesium borate (MB) crystals during the reaction sintering process in between 700 °C and 1200 °C has been closely examined with the help of various characterization techniques. Phases of magnesium borate starts appearing on thermal treatment above 700 °C. Phase transformation of magnesium borate from monoclinic to orthorhombic followed by triclinic was also observed during the thermal treatment. The optimum temperature to obtain pure triclinic Mg2B2O5 phase was found to be in between 1100°C and 1200 °C. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.