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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]