Synthesis and Microstructural Characterization of Al₂O₃-SiO₂-ZnO Composite

Abstract

The present work deals with the preparation and characterization of Al₂O₃-SiO₂-ZnO composite under mid-temperature conditions via sol-gel method. The structural features of all the samples were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The changes in the morphology and particle size of the as prepared composites were investigated. Al₂O₃-SiO₂-ZnO composites with different amount of ZnO were prepared. The effect of temperature on the crystallization of Al₂O₃-SiO₂-ZnO composites containing 70% ZnO was investigated. When the calcinations temperature increases up to 850°C, broad peaks of ZnAl₂O₄ with some impurities of Zn₂SiO₄ was appeared. From SEM images it was revealed that Naiad structure is formed when the calcinations temperature is 500°C.

Keywords:

• Al₂O₃-SiO₂-ZnO composites
• oxides
• zinc oxide
• ZnAl₂O₄
• Zn₂SiO₄