Effect of Water Content on the Electrical Conductivity of Na2O≅3SiO2 Glass

Na₂O–3SiO₂ glasses with up to ≅12 wt% water were prepared under high-pressure, hydrothermal conditions and their electrical conductivities were measured. The conductivity (σ) was found to depend on H₂O content in a manner similar to the "mixed-alkali" effect. At constant temperature, σ decreased initially with increasing H₂O content to a minimum at 3≅4 wt% H₂O and increased with further increase in water content. Infrared spectroanalysis of these glasses was made to determine the type of water present in the glass and the results were interpreted in the context of the measured activation energy and preexponential factor of dc conductivity. The sodium ion diffusion coefficient for a glass containing 0.76 wt% H₂O was less than that of water-free glass and in agreement with the electrical conductivity results.     

Growth of Monoclinic ZrO2 Thin, Flaky Crystals by Hydrothermal Decomposition of Zirconium Oxide Sulfate Crystals

Thin platelike hexagonal crystals of zirconium oxide sulfate (ZOS) with a chemical composition of Zr₃O₅SO₄. n H₂O were previously synthesized by the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of 2 mol/L ZrOSO₄ at 240°C. The ZOS particles obtained were hydrothermally treated again in dilute sulfuric acid solution (<0.15 mol/L) at 240°C. The decomposition of ZOS and the nucleation and growth morphology of the monoclinic ZrO₂ crystals were automatically controlled with increasing sulfuric acid released by the decomposition of ZOS, and were influenced by the morphology of ZOS as precursors. Anisotropic monoclinic ZrO₂ single crystals, elongated thin and flaky particles (length: >2 (Am; width: about 0.1 μm; thickness:«0.01 μm), could be obtained under some conditions without the coexistence of another type of anisotropic ZrO₂ fibrous twin crystal.     

Sintering and Crystallization of a Glass Powder in the Li2O–ZrO2–SiO2 System

Sintering and crystallization of a 23.12 mol% Li₂O, 11.10 mol% ZrO₂, 65.78 mol% SiO₂ glass powder was investigated. By means of thermal shrinkage measurements, sintering was found to start at about 650°C and completed in a very short temperature interval (Δ T similar/congruent 100°C) in less than 30 min. Crystallization took place just after completion of sintering and was almost complete at about 900°C in 20 min. Secondary porosity prevailed over the primary porosity during the crystallization stage. The glass powder compacts first crystallized into lithium metasilicate (Li₂SiO₃), which transformed into lithium disilicate (Li₂Si₂O₅), zircon (ZrSiO₄), and tridymite (SiO₂) after the crystallization process was essentially complete. The microstructure was characterized by fine crystals uniformly distributed and arbitrarily oriented throughout the residual glass phase.     

Enthalpy of Formation of Zircon

Using high-temperature solution calorimetry in molten 2PbO. B₂O₃, the enthalpy of reaction of the formation of zircon, ZrSiO₄, from its constituent oxides has been determined: Δ_r H ₉₇₇(ZrSiO₄) =−27.9 (± 1.9) kJ/mol. With previously reported data for the heat contents of ZrO₂, SiO₂, and ZrSiO₄ and standard-state enthalpies of formation of ZrO₂ and SiO₂, we obtain Δ_f H °₂₉₈· (ZrSiO₄) =−2034.2 (±3.1) kJ/mol and Δ_f G °₂₉₈ (ZrSiO₄) =−1919.8 kJ/ mol. The free energy value is in excellent agreement with a range previously estimated from solid-state reaction equilibria. At higher temperature also the data are in close agreement with existing data, though the data sets diverge somewhat with increasing T . The limitations of the data for predicting the breakdown temperature of zircon into its constituent oxides are discussed.     

Formation Reaction of ZrO2 Scatterers in ZrF4-Based Fluoride Fibers

This paper clarifies the formation reaction of ZrO₂ crystals which appear as extrinsic scatterers in fluoride fibers. EPMA analysis indicates that BaO exists at grain boundaries of BaF₂ purified by sublimation. BaO reacts with ZrF₄ to form ZrO₂ at 600°C during a glass-melting process. The ZrO₂ formation reaction is influenced by H₂O. Ba(OH)₂, which is formed by the reaction between BaO and water vapor, melts at 370° to 420°C and reacts with ZrF₄ to form ZrO₂ at 450° to 520°C. When low-oxide-content BaF₂ is used for fiber preparation, scatterers significantly decrease.     

Studies in the System CaO-Al2O3-SiO2H2O: III, New Data on the Polymorphism of Ca2SiO2 and Its Stability in the System CaO-SiO2- H2O

The nature of the low-temperature inversions γ-α' and α'-β was investigated by various techniques: hydrothermal and "dry" quenching runs, differential thermal analysis at atmospheric and elevated nitrogen pressures, X-ray diffractometer patterns obtained at elevated temperatures, "static" pressure techniques, and infrared absorption spectrometry. A revised energy-temperature diagram is presented for Ca₂SiO₄, with the transition γ' to α' taking place at about 725°C. and the α'-β transition, although not reversible at an exact temperature, taking place at about 670° C. At low water pressures (2000 lb. per sq. in.) the inversion γ-α' was placed at 675°C. Attempts to extrapolate the value obtained at 2000 lb. per sq. in. to obtain a more accurate reversible inversion temperature at atmospheric pressure, although limited in accuracy by the reliability of heat-of-transition data, would indicate a temperature of about 725° C. at atmospheric pressure. Three new compounds, 8CaO.3SiO₂ -3H₂O (X), 6CaO 3SiO₂.H₂O (Y), and 9CaO-6SiO₂ H₂O (Z), were found to be stable above 700°C. at H₂O pressures greater than 7500 lb. per sq. in.     

Zircon Synthesis via Sintering of Milled SiO2 and ZrO2

The formation of zircon (ZrSiO₄) via sintering of milled SiO₂ and ZrO₂ powders was studied, and the effects of slurry vs dry milling, sintering time, and particle size on zircon yield were examined. It was found that very high zircon yields could be obtained via slurry milling, cold pressing, and sintering of the oxide precursors. The controlling factor in determining zircon yield was found to be the particle size of the SiO₂ and ZrO₂ powders. Zircon yield as a function of sintering time was examined, and found to be similar to previous studies in which sol-gel precursors seeded with zircon were used. SEM studies reveal a homogeneous product with particle sizes on the order of 1–5 µm. It was found that complete reaction to zircon can be achieved from a once-through milling, pressing, and sintering process of SiO₂-ZrO₂ powders.     

Influences of Zirconia and Silicon Nucleating Agents on the Devitrification of Li2O · Al2O3· 6SiO2 Glasses

The effects of Si and ZrO₂ dopants on the crystallization and phase transformation process in Li₂O · Al₂O₃· 6SiO₂ glasses were investigated using differential thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) interactively. Phase separation was observed in the studied glasses prior to substantial crystallization. Elemental Si (1 mol%) significantly aided in glass devitrification. Dropletlike phase-separated regions in the as-quenched or heat-treated glass devitrified at ∼760°C, which in turn provided sites for the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of β-quartz(ss) (solid solution), which transformed to β-spodumene(ss) at higher temperature. Low-temperature surface crystallization in these glasses occurred as low as 760°C. ZrO₂ has limited solubility in this glass system. Small ZrO₂ crystallites (·5 nm) in the as-quenched glass acted as sites for the heterogeneous nucleation and subsequent growth of large (<5 μm) β-quartz(ss) crystals in glasses containing 1.0 mol% or more ZrO₂. The transformation from β-quartz(ss) to β-spodumene(ss) was increasingly inhibited with ZrO₂ additions. The nucleating efficiency of Si was significantly greater than that of ZrO₂ in this glass system.     

SiO2–PbO–CaO–ZrO2–TiO2–(B2O3–K2O), A New Zirconolite Glass–Ceramic System: Crystallization Behavior and Microstructure Evaluation

Zirconolite (CaZrTi₂O₇) is a mineral that has a high containment capacity for actinides and lanthanides and is considered to be a good candidate for the immobilization of radioactive wastes. The glass–ceramic technique seems to be a very suitable and convenient method to produce zirconolite crystals by precipitating them in a specific glass matrix. In this study, development of a new zirconolite-based glass–ceramic belonging to SiO₂–PbO–CaO–ZrO₂–TiO₂–(B₂O₃–K₂O) system was investigated. The presence of PbO, together with B₂O₃ and K₂O, allowed the preparation of a X-ray diffraction (XRD) amorphous glass with a relatively high concentration of ZrO₂ and TiO₂, which was successfully converted to a glass–ceramic containing 34 wt% of zirconolite after heating at 770°C for 4 h. Differential thermal analysis, XRD, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to determine the crystallization conditions, identify the crystallized phases, determine their compositions and quantities and observe and analyze the microstructures. The zirconolite crystals showed a platelet morphology with a monoclinic structure characterized by a =1.246 nm, b =0.7193 nm, c =1.128 nm, and β=100.508°.     

Preparation of High-Purity ZrSiO4 Powder Using Sol–Gel Processing and Mechanical Properties of the Sintered Body

Effects of the concentration of ZrOCl₂, calcination temperature, heating rate, and the size of secondary particles after hydrolysis on the preparation of high-purity ZrSiO₄ fine powders from ZrOCl₂.8H ₂ O (0.2 M to 1.7 M ) and equimolar colloidal SiO₂ using sol–gel processing have been studied. Mechanical properties of the sintered ZrSiO₄ from the high-purity ZrSiO₄ powders have been also investigated. Single-phase ZrSiO₄ fine powders were synthesized at 1300°C by forming ZrSiO₄ precursors having a Zr–O–Si bond, which was found in all the hydrolysis solutions, and by controlling a secondary particle size after hydrolysis. The conversion rate of ZrSiO₄ precursor gels to ZrSiO₄ powders from concentrations other than 0.4 M ZrOCl₂.8H₂O increased when the heating rate was high, whereupon the crystallization of unreacted ZrO₂ and SiO₂ was depressed and the propagation and increase of ZrSiO₄ nuclei in the gels were accelerated. The density of the ZrSiO₄ sintered bodies, manufactured by firing the ZrSiO₄ compacts at 1600° to 1700°C, was more than 95% of the theoretical density, and the grain size ranged around 2 to 4 μm. The mechanical strength was 320 MPa (room temperature to 1400°C), and the thermal shock resistance was superior to that of mullite and alumina, with fairly high stability at higher temperatures.     

Stability of Molybdenum Disilicide in Combustion Gak Environments

The stability of MoSi₂ in combustion gas at 1370° and 1600°C was evaluated using SOLGASMIX-PV thermodynamic modeling, periodic weight measurements, and characterization via XRD, SEM, EDS, and image analysis. Passive oxidation occurred at both temperatures. During an initial stage of exposure, specimen surfaces oxidized to form MoO_3(g) and amorphous SiO₂ via reduction of CO₂ and H₂O. After a short time (<6.5 min at 1370°C, <1 min at 1600°C), the oxidation mechanism switched; Mo₅Si₃ and amorphous SiO₂ formed as oxidation products. The first mechanism esulted in the formation of 46.1 vol% at 1370°C and 42.6 vol% at 1600°C of the amorphous silica surface coating. The attainment of a near-terminal weight gain implied silica formation was limited by H₂O and CO₂ diffusion through the silica coating.     

Aqueous Solubility Diagrams for Cementitious Waste Stabilization Systems: II, End-Member Stoichiometries of Ideal Calcium Silicate Hydrate Solid Solutions

Solubility in the fully hydrated CaO–SiO₂–H₂O system can be best described using two ideal C-S-H-(I) and C-S-H-(II) binary solid solution phases. The most recent structural ideas about the C-S-H gel permit one to write stoichiometries of polymerized C-S-H-(II) end-members as hydrated precursors of the stable tobermorite and jennite minerals in the form of 5Ca(OH)₂·6SiO₂·5H₂O and 10Ca(OH)₂·6SiO₂·6H₂O, respectively. For thermodynamic modeling purposes, it is more convenient to express the number of basic silica and portlandite units in these stoichiometries using the coefficients n _Si and n _Ca. Thermodynamic solid-solution aqueous-solution equilibrium modeling by applying the Gibbs energy minimization (GEM) approach shows the best generic fits to the available experimental solubility data at solid 0.8 < Ca/Si < 2.0 if both stoichiometry and thermodynamic constants of the end-members are normalized to n _Si= 1.0 ± 0.3. Recommended stoichiometries and thermodynamic data for the C-S-H end-members provide a reliable basis for the subsequent multicomponent extension of the ideal C-S-H solid solution model by incorporation of end-members for the (radio)toxic elements or trace metals.     

Oxidation of HIPed TiC Ceramics in Dry O2, Wet O2, and H2O Atmospheres

Isothermal oxidation of dense TiC ceramics, fabricated by hot-isostatic pressing at 1630°C and 195 MPa, was performed in Ar/O₂ (dry oxidation), Ar/O₂/H₂O (wet oxidation), and Ar/H₂O (H₂O oxidation) at 900°–1200°C. The weight change measurements of the TiC specimen showed that the dry, wet, and H₂O oxidation at 850°–1000°C is represented by a one-dimensional parabolic rate equation, while the oxidation in the three atmospheres at 1100° and 1200°C proceeds linearly. Cross-sectional observation showed that the dry oxidation produces a lamellar TiO₂ scale consisting of many thin layers, about 5 μm thick, containing many pores and large cracks, while H₂O-containing oxidation decreases pores in number and diminishes cracks in scales. Gas evolution of CO₂ and H₂ with weight change measurement was simultaneously followed by heating the TiC to 1400°C in the three atmospheres. Cracking in the TiO₂ scale accompanied CO₂ evolution, and the H₂O-containing oxidation produced a small amount of H₂. A piece of single crystal TiC was oxidized in ¹⁶O₂/H₂¹⁸O to reveal the contribution of O from H₂O to the oxidation of TiC by secondary ion mass spectrometry.     

A Study of the Phase Relations of ZrO2–TiO2 and ZrO2–TiO2–SiO2

The phase relations of the systems ZrO₂–TiO₂ and ZrO₂–TiO₂–SiO₂ were investigated. X-ray diffraction techniques served as the principal means of analysis. The binary system ZrO₂–TiO₂ was found to be one of partial solid solutions with no intermediate compounds. A eutectic point was found to exist at 50 to 55 weight % ZrO₂ and 1600°C. A preliminary investigation of the ternary system ZrO₂–TiO₂–SiO₂, although not extensive, resulted in a better understanding of this system, with a fairly accurate location of some of its boundary lines. A eutectic point was located at 2% ZrO₂, 10% TiO₂, and 88% SiO₂ at approximately 1500°C.     

ZrO2-Transformation-Toughened Glass-Ceramics Prepared by the Sol-Gel Process from Metal Alkoxides

Glasses of composition 3ZrO₂O · 2SiO₂ were prepared by the sol-gel process from metal alkoxides. Tetragonal ZrO₂ was precipitated by appropriate heat treatment at 1000° to 1200°C. The fracture toughness of these glass-ceramics increased with increasing crystallite size of the tetragonal ZrO₂, reaching ∼5.0 MN/m^3/2 at a size of ∼40 nm. The higher fracture toughness was attributed to tetragonal → monoclinic ZrO₂ transformation toughening.     

Transient Thermal Stress Behavior in ZrO2-Toughened Al2O3

The initial strength of (σ_i) and thermal shock resistances (Δ T_c and σ_r/σ_i), as determined by quench tests, of Al₂O₃-ZrO₂ composites are increased by increasing amounts of tetragonal ZrO₂ second phase for contents of up to ∼15 vol%. For composites with ≤9 vol% ZrO₂ the increases in σ_r and Δ T_c reflect the increase in γ_IC with addition of ZrO₂ However, for ZrO₂contents >9 vol%, the thermal shock resistances (Δ T_c and σ_r/σ_i) and σ_i are also affected by machining-induced microcracking in the surface of the samples. For ZrO₂ contents >14 vol%, bulk microcracking can become extensive and result in a degradation of σ_i and Δ T_c .     

Dependence of Oxidation Modes on Zirconia Content in Silicon Carbide/Zirconia/Mullite Composites

Two basic oxidation modes of silicon carbide/zirconia/mullite (SiC/ZrO₂/mullite) composites were defined based on the plotted curve of the gradient of the silica (SiO₂) layer thickness (formed on individual SiC particles) versus depth. Mode I, where oxygen diffusivity was much slower in the matrix than in the SiO₂ layer, exhibited a relatively large gradient and limited oxidation depth. Mode II, where oxygen diffusivity was much faster in the matrix than in the SiO₂ layer, displayed a relatively small gradient and an extensive oxidation depth. When the volume fraction of ZrO₂ was below a threshold limit, the composites exhibited Mode I behavior; otherwise, Mode II behavior was observed. For composites with a ZrO₂ content above the threshold limit, the formation of zircon (ZrSiO₄), as a result of the reaction between ZrO₂ and the oxidation product (i.e., SiO₂), might change the oxidation behavior from Mode II to Mode I.     

Preparation of Whisker β-Spodumene Glass–Ceramics

β-spodumene glass–ceramics with a whisker-like microstructure were prepared from the following materials (in wt%): 64.5 SiO₂, 18.0 Al₂O₃, 4.2 Li₂O, 4 ZrO₂, and 8 MgF₂. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that phase separation in the base glass leads to the formation of a primary crystal phase of MgF₂ that promotes the formation of spherical β-spodumene. Whisker spodumene crystals surrounded by spherical crystals are observed at 720°C after 1 h, and the whisker crystals grow at the cost of spherical crystals with increasing temperature and time. The flexural strengths of the glass–ceramics reach a maximum of 228 MPa after heat treatment at 850°C for 1 h.     

Strengthening and Prevention of Oxidation of Aluminum Nitride by Formation of a Silica Layer on the Surface

A silica (SiO₂) layer was deposited on the surface of an AlN ceramic in order to increase the strength and to prevent the high-temperature oxidation of the material. The layer was formed on the surface by exposing coupons to the atmosphere downstream of a bed of SiC powder in a flowing H₂–0.1% H₂O atmosphere at 1450°C. A reaction between the SiC powder and H₂O in the H₂ gas resulted in the generation of SiO₂"smoke" in the product gas stream. Part of the SiO₂ smoke was subsequently deposited on the surface of the AlN specimen to form a dense and uniform SiO₂ layer. The strength of AlN was improved by about 20% apparently because of blunting of surface defects by SiO₂. More importantly, the layer was very effective in protecting the AlN from the oxidation at elevated temperatures, through the inhibition of transport of oxidants to the sample surface.     

Preparation of Zirconia Whiskers from Zirconium Hydroxide in Sulfuric Acid Solutions under Hydrothermal Conditions at 200°C

Mixtures of Zr(OH)₄ and ZrO₂ particles, ∼10 nm in size, were hydrothermally treated in 0.25–1.5 mol/L H₂SO₄ solutions at a temperature of 200°C. After 3 h, very short ZrO₂ fibers, 10–30 nm in length, were obtained, with no other zirconium compounds observed. The particles grew with treatment time and resulted in whisker particles. In a higher concentration (3 mol/L) H₂SO₄ solution, ZrO₂ whiskers were not obtained, and clear solutions resulted with the starting ZrO₂ particles remaining. It was concluded that Zr(OH)₄ was useful as a starting material and that nanosized ZrO₂ particles served as seed crystals for whisker formation.