High Strength Spinel Windows with the Tailored Microstructure Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-163 Topic Title: High Strength Spinel Windows with the Tailored Microstructure Proposal No.: N102-163-1259 Firm: Materials & Electrochemical Research (MER) Corp. 7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85756-9237 Contact: Sekyung Chang Phone: (520) 574-1980 Web Site: www.mercorp.com Abstract: This SBIR Phase I projects will develop magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4, referred as spinel from here forth) windows with strength of 350 MPa and Weibull modulus higher than 6. To produce the spinel with the strength of 350 MPa, the microstructure of the spinel will be tailored by controlling the processing parameters, such as impurities of spinel powder, agglomerates in spinel powder, amount and types of the sintering aid, and sintering time and temperature. The spinel windows with little residual flux, from the sintering aid or impurities of spinel powder, and no residual strain will be developed. Benefits: Anticipated public benefits derive from every sector requiring IR transparent windows applications such as IR windows, reconnaissance window for aircrafts and missiles, rigid transparent windows such as windows for armored vehicles and protective goggles. Return