Effect of copper on the initial stage sintering of alumina

Abstract

Study of densification of alumina in the presence of CuO has been studied. CuO as dopant is added to the extent of 0.5 mole % (1 wt%) to pure alumina (A17NE) and studies were done for pressure less sintering. Cold pressed pellets of alumina with or without copper oxide were sintered at 1100 °C, 1200 °C, 1400 °C, 1550 °C and for 1650 °C and were also kept for different soaking time at 1650 °C. The pellets were then characterized for densification and microstructure analysis using SEM. Dilatometric studies were also done on the doped samples. Results showed that doped samples acquire better density (~95% of theoretical density) than undoped samples (~ 93% of theoretical density). Activation energy calculated for the initial stage of sintering for Cu doped alumina was found to be 329.45kJ/mol. The same for undoped alumina could not be possible due to time constraints.