Mechanism of Phase Transformations of γ-Al2O3 and Al(OH)3 into Boehmite (AlOOH) during Hydrothermal Treatment

Abstract— We propose a mechanism capable of describing phase transformations during the hydrothermal treatment of micron- and nanometer-sized γ-Al2O3 and Al(OH)3 powders, identify the steps of the process, and demonstrate the role of water with a small heat of vaporization in the hydrothermal treatment process.