Effect of ZnO Addition on the Sintering Behavior of Al2O3

Abstract

Densification of alumina has been studied in the present work in presence of Zinc oxide. Zinc oxide as dopant has been added to the extent of 0.5, 1 and 2 weight % to pure alumina and studied for pressure-less sintering. Pellets of without and with ZnO containing compositions were sintered at 15500C 16000C, 16500C and then characterized for densification, phase analysis. A new phase, ZnAl2O4, has been observed in the sintered samples indicating reactions between alumina and dopant phase. Results reveal that Zinc oxide is a beneficial sintering additive for alumina on sintering at 16500C, at lower temperatures it has a hindering effect on sintering.