Structural and mechanical properties of (Co/Mg) co-doped nano ZnO

The (Co/Mg) co-doped ZnO systems (ZnMgCoO) were synthesized as polycrystalline nanoparticles using the sol–gel technique. The effects of Co/Mg co-addition to the structural and mechanical properties of ZnO nanoparticles were investigated. Microstructural properties, such as phases, crystal structures and grain sizes are characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The microhardness values of the samples were evaluated by the Vickers tester. In the samples of the Co>Mg ratio, Indentation Size Effect (ISE) behaviors were observed. On the other hand, in the samples of the Mg>Co ratio, Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE) was observed. These were analyzed in detail utilizing the models for materials hardness analysis found in literature.