Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline α-Al2O3 using Al and Fe2O3 (hematite) through mechanical alloying

In this present work, the synthesis of nanocrystalline α-Al2O3 using pure aluminum (Al) and Fe2O3 (hematite) as the precursors by mechanical alloying technique has been studied. The formation of α-Al2O3 nanocrystallites occurs during the solid-state reaction and through the reduction treatment. Also in this paper, effects of milling time on particle size and the lattice strain nanocrystalline α-Al2O3 have been investigated. Obtained powders were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained results indicated that a reduction reaction was completed after 2 h milling in a planetary mill. The crystallite size of obtained α-alumina (α-Al2O3) was in general about 12 nm. Finally, the results showed appropriate homogeneity and dispersion of related nanocrystalline.

Graphical abstractThe paper gives a solid-state method (mechanical alloying method) to the synthesis of nanocrystalline α-Al2O3. The crystallite size of obtained α-Al2O3 after milling for 20 h in range of 12–20 nm is observed (black rounded shapes).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide