Effect of raw materials on formation and densification of magnesium aluminate spinel

Effect of different raw materials on the solid state spinel formation and densification of magnesium aluminate spinel is studied. Two different grades of commercially available alumina were used with fused, sintered and chemical grades of magnesia to study spinel formation through phase analysis and densification behavior at different temperatures between 1200 °C and 1600 °C. Spinel formation in different compositions was also studied by dilatometry. Fired compositions were also tested for microstructural development.