Development of nano-alumina based ceramic components for high heat flux insulation applications under dynamic load

Attempts have been made towards the synthesis of nano-alumina powder through conventional combustion synthesis (CCS) method. Detailed evaluation of the process parameters has been done through XRD and SEM, on the as-synthesized nano-alumina powders. The as-synthesized nano-alumina (−γ phase) were used for developing ceramic spacers for thermal insulation application under load. The densification and mechanical strength of ceramic components consolidated from the alumina powders has been measured. The results have shown that the as-fabricated nano-alumina based components have high structural integrity at green stage (∼65%) with 2 wt.% nano γ-alumina, significant mechanical strength (∼230 MPa) and excellent thermal shock resistance (functional testing at ∼1400 °C temperature and under 50 T dynamic load). The comprehensive study for the fabrication of nano-alumina based ceramic spacers has been illustrated.

► Combustion synthesis process has been used to synthesize nano-alumina powder.
► Process optimization for fuel type, oxidant-to-fuel ratio and combustion temperature.
► Ceramic insulators have been fabricated using as-synthesized nano-alumina powder.
► The technology application area is high heat flux insulation under load.
► The addition of nano-alumina enhances the product functional performance.