Microwave assisted preparation and sintering of Al2O3, ZrO2 and their composites from metalorganics

Abstract

Controlled pyrolysis of Al(OBu^s)₃ , Zr(OPrⁿ)₄ and their mixtures in ethyl acetate induced using microwaves of 2.45 GHz frequency has been carried out. Microwave irradiation yields second-stage precursors for the preparation of respective oxides and their composites. It is observed that the microwave irradiation has a directive influence on the morphology of the ultimate oxide products. Al₂O₃ , ZrO₂ and the two composites 90% Al₂O₃–10% ZrO₂ and 90% ZrO₂–10% Al₂O₃ are also found to be sintered to very high densities within 35 min of microwave irradiation by the use of beta;-SiC as a secondary susceptor.