Structural characterization of mechanically activated MgO-TiO2 system

Abstract

In this article the influence of ball miling process on structure of MgO-TiO2 system was investigated. The mixtures of MgO-TiO2 powders were mechanically activated in a planetary ball mill for the time period from 0 to 120 minutes. The influence of mechanical activation on the lattice vibrational spectra was studied by Raman spectroscopy at room temperature. Structural investigations have been performed on produced powders. Nitrogen adsorption method was used to determine the BET specific surface area and pore size distribution. Unusual results have been obtained: specific surface area continuously decreased up to 40 minutes of activation and increased after that, reaching its minimun value of 5.5 m2/g. The Raman spectra of activated powders have shown that anatase modes have been decreasing in intensity and broadening as the time of activation extended. Also, the additional modes attributed to TiO2 II, srilankite and rutile phases started to appear as a consequence of activation.