A novel approach for synthesis of nanocrystalline MgAl₂O₄ powders by co-precipitation method

Excerpt

Magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl₂O₄) posseses a unique combination of desirable properties such as high melting point (2,135 °C), good mechanical strength at room and evaluated temperatures, high chemical inertness, low dielectric constant and electrical losses, good shock resistance, and excellent optical properties [1]. Due to these desirable properties, it has a wide range of applications in structural, chemical, optical, and electrical industries. MgAl₂O₄ has mainly been used as refractory in heavy industry and as substrate for solid-state electronic devices. Nowadays, new potential applications have been reported including; ceramic ultra-filtration membranes, electro-insulators, and optical materials such as optically transparent, fiber-optic temperature sensors, tunable solid-state lasers, matrix for fabrication of optical nanodevices, high-brightness phosphor screen, catalysis, and humidity sensor applications. Furthermore, the MgAl₂O₄ spinel has been employed as excellent transparent ceramic materials for high temperature arc-enclosing envelopes and alkali-metal vapor discharge devices [2‐9]. …