Development and Characterization of Alumina-Silica Sand Nanoparticle Composites

Abstract

Ceramic-ceramic composites are used around the world in demanding thermal, structural and electrical insulating applications. The present study aims to develop Alumina-Silica sand nanoparticles composites through powder processing route. Effect of amount of silica sand nanoparticles on the composite properties at different sintering temperatures was studied. Composites with 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% of silica sand nanoparticles were developed and sintered at 1300, 1400 and 1500 oC. It was observed that the incorporation of silica sand nanoparticles enhanced the hardness and sintered density of the composites. FESEM and EDS analysis evidenced the proposed liquid phase sintering, mullite and spinel formation mechanisms are primary cause of the composites mechanical properties improvement.