Evolution of Magnesium Aluminate Spinel by Combustion route and its characterization

Abstract

Magnesium aluminate is synthesized utilizing precursors of Magnesium, aluminium nitrates in 1:2 molar ratios along with citric acid both as fuel and reducing agent. All precursors are mixed properly and undergo mild heat treatment in hot plate for partial combustion to obtain gel. Gel is made to dry and undergo annealing at 800°C for 5 hours to obtain the required phase. Thermal analysis is carried for the gel to determine spinelization temperature. Phase analysis by XRD is carried to determine the phase followed by bond information from FTIR analysis in terms of M-O co-ordinations. Morphology of the sample is analyzed by SEM to be uniform, spherical shape with little bit of agglomeration tendency.