Reaction sintering of different spinel compositions in the presence of Y2O3

Reaction sintering of spinels (MgO-Al2O3 molar ratio 1:1 and 2:1) was done in the temperature range of 1550-1650 degreesC using sintered sea water magnesia and commercial alumina as the starting materials and Y2O3 as additive up to 4 wt.%. An attrition mill was used for the reduction of particle size. Dilatometric study was done to evaluate the effect of additive on reaction and sintering. Sintered products were characterized in teens of densification, phase analysis, hot strength, microstructure and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) studies. Y2O3 was found to be beneficial for both the compositions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved