Sintering and Properties of MgTi<sub>4</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>6</sub> Prepared by Sol-Gel Process

Abstract

A precursor gel powder with the composition of MgTi4(PO4)6 (MTP) was prepared by the sol-gel process. This powder was amorphous up to 700°C and changed into single phase MTP at about 800°C. The relative density of a sintered compact showed that the amorphous powder was more sinterable than the crystallized one. A sintered body with a 95% relative density was obtained from an amorphous MTP powder. Some precursor gels with excess amounts of P2O5(1-9wt%) and MgO(0.1-3wt%) were also prepared by the same process. A small amount of P2O5 and MgO did not improve the sinterability of the powder. A small amount of MgO, however, increased the bending strength. A relative density of 91% and bending strength of 150MPa was obtained with an addition of 1wt% of MgO.