Synthesis and Characterization of Mg-Matrix Based TiO2/Al2O3 Composite Materials

Abstract

Based on low density, Mg metal-based composites exhibit high specific mechanical properties and are actively used for weight critical structural application. In the present study, Mg-matrix based TiO2/Al2O3 composite materials were synthesized by using the powder metallurgy (Solid-phase) technique. Parameters such as the concentration of the components, temperature, and pressure were optimized before experiments. Different conditions such as temperature (30 °C) and pressure (760 mm of Hg) were also optimized. Pellets of the Mg-based composites and their pure constituent counterparts of various diameters (10–20 cm) were prepared under 50 tons of hydraulic pressure. Single-phase homogenous composites were obtained by undertaking the pellets through sintering in an electric furnace at elevated temperature (600 °C) for 1 h. The prepared materials were tested for different properties using various physicochemical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Surface area analyzer. FTIR results confirmed composite formation. SEM revealed microstructures of all materials in the µm range. XRD proved the phase-distribution and crystallinity of the prepared materials. It was found that 2 and 3-component systems are homogenized when prepared by the powder metallurgy technique. The surface area of all materials was confirmed using the BET adsorption isotherm equation. The surface area of the prepared composites was found to be in the range from 40 to 70 m2/g. Such properties enable these materials for potential application in solar reflectance and as a catalyst in liquid phase hydrogenation.