LAUSR

The transition aluminas δ1 and the cubic, non-spinel-type η-Al2O3 were detected in addition to α-Al2O3 in flame-sprayed material. Their transitions from room temperature up to 1200 °C were investigated by high-temperature XRD measurements. Structural changes with time and temperature were observed for all transition aluminas (η-, δ1- and θ-Al2O3). The phases followed the expected transition sequence of η→δ1→θ→α and showed mainly linear, temperature-independent transition rates. Based on the determined thermal expansion of the phases, it is proposed that the metastable transitions are at least partly mechanically induced. In addition, a second-order phase transition from η→θ might be indicated around 1050–1075 °C by the determined trends of density.