Effect of addition of Cr2O3 on the properties of reaction sintered MgO-Al2O3 spinels

Effect of addition of Cr2O3 up to 4 wt.% was studied on three different spinel compositions with MgO:Al2O3 molar ratios 2: 1, 1:1 and 1:2. Attritor mill was used to reduce the particle size of the starting materials and a single stage sintering technique was employed in the temperature range of 1550-1650 degreesC for all the compositions. Final sintered products were then characterised in terms of densification and shrinkage studies, phase analysis, strength evaluation both at the ambient temperature and at 1300 degreesC, strength retention capacity after different cycles of thermal shock at 1000 degreesC, quantitative elemental analysis and microstructural studies. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved