Structural characterization of mechanically activated MgO-TiO2 system

Abstract

Mixtures of MgO-TiO2 powders were mechanically activated in a planetary ball mill for time interval from 0 to 120 minutes. On thus obtained powders, structural investigations have been performed. N2 adsorption method was used to determine the BET specific surface area and pore size distribution. Unusual results are obtained: specific surface area continuously decreases up to 40 minutes of activation and after that increases, reaching its minimum value of 4.4 m2/g. The influence of mechanical activation on lattice vibrational spectra was examined by Raman spectroscopy at room temperatures. The differential thermal analysis has been performed in order to investigate thermal behavior of the mixtures, indicating at several endothermal peaks in range of RT to 1100oC. SEM gave information about changes in microstructures, showing the clear decrease in particle size.