Simultaneously rapid synthesis and consolidation of nanostructured MgAl₂Ti₃O₁₀-Mg_0.6Al_0.8Ti_1.6O₅ composite and its mechanical properties

Nanocrystalline materials have received much attention as advanced engineering materials with improved physical and mechanical properties. As nanomaterials possess high strength, high hardness, excellent ductility and toughness, undoubtedly, more attention has been paid to the application of nanomaterials. Nanopowders of Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and MgO were fabricated by high energy ball milling. The simultaneous synthesis and sintering of nanostuctured MgAl₂Ti₃O₁₀-Mg_0.6Al_0.8Ti_1.6O₅ composite from milled powders of 1.4Al₂O₃, 4.6TiO₂ and 1.6MgO was investigated by the high-frequency induction heated sintering process. A highly dense nanostructured MgAl₂Ti₃O₁₀-Mg_0.6Al_0.8Ti_1.6O₅ composite was produced with the simultaneous application of 80 MPa pressure and an induced current within one minute. The grain sizes and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of MgAl₂Ti₃O₁₀-Mg_0.6Al_0.8Ti_1.6O₅ composite sintered at 1100 °C were investigated.