Preparation of MgAl2O4 solar thermal storage ceramics from different magnesium sources

In order to study the performance and feasibility of magnesia-alumina spinel (MgAl₂O₄) ceramics for thermal storage in solar thermal power generation, MgAl₂O₄ was prepared by theoretical composition using α-Al₂O₃ as aluminium source, fused magnesia, magnesite, and light burned magnesia as different magnesium sources and kaolin as additive. The effects of magnesium source and the additive on sintering properties, thermal shock resistance and thermal properties of MgAl₂O₄ ceramics were researched. The results shown sample A1 (with fused magnesia) sintered at 1670°C possessed the optimum comprehensive properties, the bending strength increased by 7.71% after 30 thermal shock times (room temperature-1000°C, air cooling), the specific heat capacity was 1.05 J/ (g·K). Therefore, the MgAl₂O₄ ceramics exhibited great potential in high-temperature thermal storage material.