Dependence of precursor characteristics on low temperature densification of sol-gel aluminium titanate

Aluminium titanate precursor gels have been prepared by the sol-gel route u sing monohydroxy aluminium oxide (boehmite) sol and titanium isopropoxide. The influence of calcination temperature of the precursors on phase formati on, densification and microstructure development in sol-gel aluminium titan ate have been studied. Studies of pre-calcined precursor gels at 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 degreesC show a significant increase in density on raising th e calcination temperature from 600 to 1000 degreesC. The treatment at 1000 degreesC favours a phase composition most conducive to low temperature dens ification of aluminium titanate at 1350 degreesC. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.