MgO·1.5Al2O3 Spinel Grain Growth and Microstructure Characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Digital Image Analysis

Authors

G. Bonifazi, University of Rome "La Sapienza"
E. Proverbio, University of Rome "La Sapienza"Follow

Abstract

The microstructure of sintered polycrystalline MgO·1.5Al₂O₃ ceramic is strongly affected by the sintering conditions due to the precipitation of α-alumina at a temperature lower than about 1400°C. Consequently, the mechanical properties, depending on grain size distribution, are greatly influenced. Three different microstructures were obtained by a two step sintering process adopting an intermediate sintering temperature of 1050°C, 1100°C and 1300°C respectively, and a final sintering temperature of 1500°C. Comparable samples obtained directly by firing at 1500°C were used. Digital image analysis (DIA) carried out on scanning electron microscope (SEM) images was performed in order to better describe the microstructural parameters. By DIA, it was possible to simultaneously characterize both grain morphology and pore size distribution, allowing us to obtain a parametrical classification which is of fundamental importance in automatic morphology recognition.

Recommended Citation

Bonifazi, G. and Proverbio, E. (1995) "MgO·1.5Al2O3 Spinel Grain Growth and Microstructure Characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Digital Image Analysis," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 10: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol10/iss1/6