Control of the γ-alumina to α-alumina phase transformation for an optimized alumina densification

In this work, we studied the aptitude to sintering green bodies using γ-Al 2 O 3 transition alumina as raw powder. We focused on the influence of the heating rate on densification and microstructural evolution. Phase transformations from transition alumina γ → δ → θ → α-Al 2 O 3 were studied by in situ X-rays diffraction from the ambient to 1200 °C. XRD patterns revealed coexistence of various phase transformations during the heating cycle. DTA and dilatometry results showed that low heating rate leads to a significant reduction of the temperature of the α-Al 2 O 3 alumina formation. Around 1190, 1217 and 1240 °C were found when using 5, 10 and 20 °C/min of heating rate, respectively. The activation energy for θ-Al 2 O 3  → α-Al 2 O 3 transformation calculated by Kissinger and JMA equations using dilatometry method were 464.29 and 488.79 kJ/mol, respectively and by DTA method were 450.72 and 475.49 kJ/mol, respectively. In addition, the sintering of the green bodies with low heating rate promotes the rearrangement of the grains during θ-Al 2 O 3  → α-Al 2 O 3 transformation, enhancing the relative density to 95% and preventing the development of a vermicular structure.