Development and Characterization of Alumina-Silica Sand Nanoparticle Composites

Ceramic-ceramic composites are used around the world in demanding thermal, structural and
electrical insulating applications. The present study aims to develop Alumina-Silica sand
nanoparticles composites through powder processing route. Effect of amount of silica sand
nanoparticles on the composite properties at different sintering temperatures was studied.
Composites with 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% of silica sand nanoparticles were developed and sintered at
1300, 1400 and 1500 oC. It was observed that the incorporation of silica sand nanoparticles
enhanced the hardness and sintered density of the composites. FESEM and EDS analysis evidenced
the proposed liquid phase sintering, mullite and spinel formation mechanisms are primary cause of
the composites mechanical properties improvement.