Laser sintering of magnesia with nanoparticles of iron oxide and aluminum oxide

Abstract Nanoparticles of iron oxide (Fe2O3, 20–40 nm) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3, 50 nm) were mixed in different concentrations (3, 5 and 7 wt%) in a magnesium oxide (MgO) matrix. The mixture pellet was irradiated with 532 nm output from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser using different laser fluence and translation speed for sintering. The refractory samples obtained were analyzed using X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the samples irradiated at translation speed of 110 μm/s and energy fluence of 1.7 J/cm2 with a concentration of 5 and 7 wt% of Fe2O3 presented the MgFe2O4 spinel-type phase. With the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles, at a translation speed of 110 μm/s and energy fluence of 1.7 J/cm2, there were the formations of MgAl2O4 spinel phase. The changes in morphologies and microstructure due to laser irradiation were analyzed.