Synthesis of alumina powder by the urea–glycine–nitrate combustion process: a mixed fuel approach to nanoscale metal oxides

Amit Sharma,O P Modi,Amita Rani,Gaurav K Gupta,Ajay Singh

doi:10.1007/s13204-013-0199-8

Abstract

Main objective of present work is to study the efficiency of mixed fuel towards solution combustion synthesis of alumina powder, which otherwise prepared by single fuel and study of properties of final product with mixed fuel approach. Two different fuels, glycine and urea, along with aluminium nitrates have been used to prepare nanophase alumina powder. Different fuel to oxidizer ratios and different percentage combination of two fuels were used to prepare six samples. In all samples, nanoscale particle size obtained. Parameter which continuously changes the results of various characterisations is percentage combination of two fuels. In case where percentage of urea is higher than glycine reaction takes place with high exothermicity and hence crystallinity in product phase, whereas glycine promotes amorphous character. With mixed fuel approach, crystallinity can be enhanced easily, by calcinations of powder product at low temperature, because due to mixed urea and glycine, there is already some fraction of crystallinity observed. Overall mixed fuel approach has ability to produce nanophase alumina powder with wide range of particles size.

Highlights

In recent times, the general procedure utilised by scientists to understand the science of materials consist of studying large and complex structures and to investigate the basic building blocks of these microstructures that are smaller and simpler
Main objective of present work is to study the efficiency of mixed fuel towards solution combustion synthesis of alumina powder, which otherwise prepared by single fuel and study of properties of final product with mixed fuel approach
There is wide range of particle size in nanoscale, because urea promotes high flame and agglomeration of particles, whereas glycine promotes the formation of small range of particles size

Summary

Introduction

The general procedure utilised by scientists to understand the science of materials consist of studying large and complex structures and to investigate the basic building blocks of these microstructures that are smaller and simpler. This approach is often termed ‘‘Topdown’’ science. With the advent of scanning probe microscope, which permits keen observation of individual particles (atoms and molecules), it has become possible to rectify and move atoms and molecules to form simple atomic level constituents This ability to arrange atoms provides opportunities to develop unique properties that are not otherwise possible. Nanometal oxides are useful as catalysts, sensors, coating materials, grinding media, abrasion resistant tiles, cutting tools, bioceramics (hip-joints), body armour, laboratory ware and wear parts for the textile and paper industries and many more (Bahadur et al 2006; Patil et al 2002)

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Results

Conclusion