Synthesis and characterisation of MgAlON

This paper deals with the synthesis of MgAlON ceramics. The thermodynamic properties of this system were evaluated and the phase stability diagram of MgAlON was established. The synthesis of this material was successfully carried out by a careful choice of the experimental parameters in accordance with the phase stability diagram. The procedure adopted was to subject the starting materials to sinter under 25 MPa. A microstructure evaluation of the synthesised material was carried out. The mechanical properties of MgAlON were determined. The synthesised material was also subjected to X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy analyses. The crystallographic data of MgAlON were generated as a result of the present studies. A JCPSD file of MgAlON has been suggested.