Rapid Synthesis and Consolidation of a Nanostructured Mg0.6Al0.8Ti1.6O5 Compound by Pulsed Current Activated Heating

Nanocrystalline materials have received much attention as advanced engineering materials with improved physical and mechanical properties. Attention has been directed to the application of nanomaterials as they possess high strength, high hardness and excellent ductility and toughness. A one-step synthesis and consolidation of nanostructured Mg0.6Al0.8Ti1.6O5 was achieved by pulsed current activated heating using the stoichometric mixture of MgO, Al2O3 and TiO2 powders. Before sintering, the powder mixture was high-energy ball milled for 10 h. From the milled nanopowder mixture, a highly dense nanostructured Mg0 6Al0.8Ti1.6O5 compound could be obtained within one minute under the simultaneous application of 80 MPa pressure and an pulsed current. The advantage of this process is that it allows an instant densification to the near theoretical density while sustaining the nanosized microstructure of raw powders. The sintering behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg0.6Al0.8Ti1.6O5 were evaluated.