Low-temperature formation of alpha alumina powders from carboxylate and mixed carboxylate precursors

Formation of alpha alumina fine powders from aluminum carboxylate and mixed carboxylate precursors have been studied using thermoanalytical and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. Among these carboxylates, aluminum acetate and formoacetate produce alpha alumina below 1000 degrees C whereas, the ether precursors require about 1200 degrees C. The nature of the precursor has been found to influence the course of thermal decomposition and the sequence of phase evolution. The resultant alpha alumina powders have been have been characterised employing surface area and porosity measurements. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved