The use of X-ray diffraction peak-broadening analysis to characterize ground Al2O3 powders

X-ray peak broadening has been used to study the milling behaviour of a number of commercial alumina powders. It is shown that the milling behaviour is dependent upon the original particle size, internal defects in particles and the milling liquid used. Peak-broadening studies allow the effects of milling upon reduction of crystallite size and increase in stored energy to be separated. The effect of these two parameters was separated using the Cauchy correction method. Measurement of the particle size of the unmilled alumina powders in the transmission electron microscope was used to determine that the Cauchy method gave the most correct estimation of crystallite size. Both alumina crystallite size and stored energy are expected to enhance sintering of the powder to a high density. Attempts are made to predict the sintering ability of the materials studied in terms of the above parameters.