Low temperature preparation ofβ-alumina by an alkoxide route

β-alumina has been prepared by the thermal decomposition of a mixture of sodium and aluminium isopropoxides followed by heating up to 1000°C. It has been found necessary to use sodium isopropoxide in excess (25–30%) for the complete formation ofβ-alumina at 1000°C. On the other hand one obtains a mixture ofβ-alumina andα-alumina when the starting materials are taken in the stoichiometric ratio Na₂O:11Al₂O₃. DTA, TG and DTG studies of a mixture of sodium and aluminium isopropoxide showedβ-alumina formation at 1000°C. NCL Communication No. 4446.