Abstract
This study investigated the effects of reaction time and temperature on the hydrothermal synthesis and physical properties of mcallisterite [Mg2(B6O7(OH)6)2·9(H2O)], a type of a magnesium borate. Different parameters that affect the final products were determined by various techniques including X-r ay diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectra, Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermal Gravimetry (DTA/TG). The surface morphology of synthesized mcallisterite was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). B2O3 (boron oxide) content was determined through a gravimetric method of titration. Optical absorption characteristics of mcallisterite were investigated by UV-vis spectrometer and Picoammeter Voltage Source was used to measure electrical properties.