Preparation of Nanosized α-Fe2O3 Using Mechanical Activation

Abstract

The processes occurring during the mechanical activation of a-Fe₂O₃ (hematite) in the presence of oleic acid in a centrifugal-planetary mill have been investigated. Mechanical activation for 10 h afforded hematite powder with particles size of 10–40 nm, as shown by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and specific surface area measurements. Longer milling has led to mechanochemical transformation of hematite into Fe₃O₄ (magnetite).