Densification of Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ Compacts at High Temperatures

Abstract

Sintering behaviour of various AI₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ compacts made out of calcined alumina fines and chromic oxide, upto a temperature of 1700°C and 4 h soaking time was investigated. The amount of chromic oxide was found to have an appreciable impact on densification, rate constants, activation energy, diametrical tensile strengths and microstructures. A maximum density of 3.452 g.cm⁻³ and a maximum shrinkage of 15.67% were attained with the compacts having 2 wt% Cr₂O₃ when sintered at 1700°C for 4 h. It has been found that with the increase in Cr₂O₃ content, the porosity of the compact increases.