Synthesis and Characterization of Calcium Aluminate Spinal using Solution Combustion Method

In this paper the Calcium aluminate nanoparticles were prepared by solution combustion method, using procured calcium nitrate, aluminium nitrate and urea (as fuel). Stoichiometric amounts of calcium nitrate, aluminium nitrate, and fuel urea were calculated using the total oxidizing and reducing valencies of the compounds which serve as numerical coefficients for stoichiometric balance. Initially Ca(NO3)2.4H2O and Al(NO3)3.9H2O were dissolved in a minimum quantity of water along with urea in a silica crucible (with a volume of 100cm3). The crucible was introduced into the muffle furnace which was preheated to 500°C. Also the variation of fuel to oxidizer (F/O) ratio was studied. The study was carried out for leaner to richer fuel ratios. In the case of CaAl2O4 combustion synthesis results were achieved when fuel (urea) was used. The use of fuel allowed the formation of pure, nano-crystalline CaAl2O4 directly from the combustion reaction. The effect of fuel ratios was investigated by variation of the ratios in which the fuel was taken.