Properties of barium and lanthanum hexaaluminates prepared by solid-state reaction and self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

The catalytic activity, specific surface area, and electron paramagnetic resonance of substituted barium hexaaluminates prepared via mechanical activation are studied. Unsubstituted barium and lanthanum hexaaluminates are characterized by x-ray diffraction. Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis is shown to be a promising technique for preparing melted barium hexaaluminate. Electron-microscopic examination of melted and fracture surfaces reveals microstructural features that are believed to be responsible for the high strength of the material.