Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of fine-grained ceramics in the alumina–titania system

Fine-grained ceramics of the Al2O3–TiO2 system were synthesised by reactive sintering of sol–gel precursors (Al- and Ti-alkoxides). The thermal behaviour of the as-prepared xerogels was examined by thermal analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. Preliminary results concerning powder consolidation into bulk ceramic parts using spark plasma sintering (SPS) are discussed.