A Study on the Morphology and Physical-Mechanical Properties of Low-Density Spinel Fabrication

As the Nigerian defence industry grows, spinel has the potential to become the next material for advanced military applications. This will reduce the over-reliance on imports. It is a critical material for bulletproof windows for armoured vehicles, personal protective gear, missile domes and night vision systems. Magnesium aluminate Spinel (MAS) is a face-centred cubic synthetic material with excellent, chemical, mechanical, optical, thermal, and dielectric properties. Slip casting methodology was adopted and the samples (A, B, C, D) were drawn and analysed for mechanical tests and characterization of the constituent elements, through XRD and SEM analyses. The results of the XRD analysis for all samples were at high intensity at 2θ=65.42o,65.56o,59.92o where spinel was formed. The SEM micrographs show the low dense characteristics of the spinel formation which was the highest with 68% observed in sample D. The mechanical test results showed that sample B recorded the highest flexural strength of 210 MPa, followed by Sample D with 150 MPa and sample C with 145MPa. In conclusion, low-density spinel production was achieved, however for a more densified output, the study suggests adopting a pressured sintering approach. Keywords: Spinel, fabrication, slip casting, armour, characterisation, ceramics