Influence of MnO and TiO2 additives on density, microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3

Effect of manganese oxide and titanium oxide as additives on sintering of alumina is described. Sintered density, average grain size and microstructural features have been investigated along with the mechanical properties. The addition of manganese oxide produced a relatively uniform, dense microstructure at high temperature. Titania up to 0.2 wt.% is found to be the most effective additive in promoting grain growth. Titania doping leads to achieving theoretical density at 1400 C. The secondary phase, Al2TiO5 mostly precipitates at triple junctions and occasionally along the grain boundaries. (C) 2002. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l.