Reaction sintering of alumina rich magnesium aluminate spinel

Alumina rich magnesium aluminate spinels were reaction sintered by changing the reactivity of alumina. Source of alumina was calcined between 800 to 1600degreesC to change its reactivity (surface area). Batches containing alumina and magnesia comprising 90 wt. % Al2O3 were attritor milled, uniaxially pressed and fired between 1600 to 1700degreesC with 2 hours soaking. High temperature dilatometry was performed to study the reaction sintering characteristics of the spinet batches. The sintered products were evaluated through bulk density, hot modulus of rupture and scanning electron photomicrography. A calcination temperature of 1200degreesC for alumina was found to be optimum