Rapid Synthesis and Consolidation of a Nanostructured Mg_0.6Al_0.8Ti_1.6O₅ Compound by Pulsed Current Activated Heating

Abstract

Nanocrystalline materials have received much attention as advanced engineering materials with improved physical and mechanical properties. Attention has been directed to the application of nanomaterials as they possess high strength, high hardness and excellent ductility and toughness. A one-step synthesis and consolidation of nanostructured Mg 0.6 Al 0.8 Ti 1.6 O 5 was achieved by pulsed current activated heating using the stoichometric mixture of MgO, Al 2 O 3 and TiO 2 powders. Before sintering, the powder mixture was high-energy ball milled for 10 h. From the milled nanopowder mixture, a highly dense nanostructured Mg 0.6 Al 0.8 Ti 1.6 O 5 compound could be obtained within one minute under the simultaneous application of 80 MPa pressure and an pulsed current. The advantage of this process is that it allows an instant densification to the near theoretical density while sustaining the nanosized microstructure of raw powders. The sintering behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg 0.6 Al 0.8 Ti 1.6 O 5 were evaluated.