Synthesis and characterization of spinel–forsterite nanocomposites

This is the first report of successful synthesis of pure spinel–forsterite nanocomposites from talc, alumina, and magnesium carbonate powders. Appropriate ratios of initial materials were mixed and mechanically activated in a planetary ball mill. The obtained powders were annealed at high temperatures. Pure spinel–forsterite nanocomposites with crystallites size in the range of 30–87 nm were obtained after 40 h of mechanical activation and subsequent annealing at 1200 °C for 1 h. The results of cold crushing strength (CCS) showed that the maximum strength of the fired spinel–forsterite bodies (∼67 MPa) can be obtained in those samples with 10 wt.% spinel. The bulk density (BD) and apparent porosity (AP) of these samples were 1.46% and 17%, respectively.