Sintering behavior of Cr2O3–Al2O3 ceramics

We investigated the sintering behavior of Cr₂O₃–Al₂O₃ ceramic materials. In our observation of the isothermal shrinkage behavior of Cr₂O₃–Al₂O₃ ceramic, the activation energy of sintering reaction was measured to be 102 kJ/mol, that is, the near value of the activation energy of diffusion of Al ions in Al₂O₃ single crystal. Therefore the diffusion of cations is believed to control the sintering behavior of this material. With the addition of TiO₂, (the compound chosen to accelerate the diffusion of cations) to Cr₂O₃–Al₂O₃, the sintering behavior was accelerated.     

Thermal Stability and Crystallization Kinetics of MgO–Al2O3–B2O3–SiO2 Glasses

To support commercialization of the MgO–Al₂O₃–B₂O–SiO₂-based low-dielectric glass fibers, crystallization characteristics of the relevant glasses was investigated under various heat-treatment conditions. The study focused on the effects of iron on the related thermal properties and crystallization kinetics. Both air-cooled and nucleation-treated samples were characterized by using the differential thermal analysis/differential scanning calorimeter method between room temperature and 1200°C. A collected set of properties covers glass transition temperature (T_g), maximum crystallization temperature (T_p), specific heat (ΔC_p), enthalpy of crystallization (ΔH_cryst), and thermal stability (ΔT=T_p—T_g). Using the Kinssiger method, the activation energy of crystallization was determined. Crystalline phases in the samples having various thermal histories were determined using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and/or in situ high-temperature XRD method. Selective scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis provided evidence that crystal density in the glass is affected by the iron concentration. Glass network structures, for air-cooled and heat-treated samples, were examined using a midinfrared spectroscopic method. Combining all of the results from our study, iron in glass is believed to function as a nucleation agent enhancing crystal population density in the melt without altering a primary phase field. By comparing the XRD data of the glasses in two forms (bulk versus powder), the following conclusions can be reached. The low-dielectric glass melt in commercial operation should be resistant to crystallization above 1100°C. Microscopic amorphous phase separation, possibly a borate-enriched phase separating from the silicate-enriched continuous phase can occur only if the melt is held at temperatures below 1100°C, that is, below the glass immiscibility temperature. The study concludes that neither crystallization nor amorphous phase separation will be expected for drawing fibers between 1200°C and 1300°C in a commercial operation.     

Chemical Stability of ZnO–Na2O–SO3–P2O5 Glasses

We report on chemical stability and corrosion behavior of highly depolymerized sulfophosphate glasses from the system ZnO–Na₂O–SO₃–P₂O₅ in aqueous solution, providing data on weight loss, ion release rates, and modifications of surface topology as a function of time, temperature and pH value. Observations seem consistent with the previously developed structural model of chemical heterogeneity, where cations Na⁺ and Zn²⁺ cluster selectively in the vicinity of sulfate and phosphate anions, respectively.     

Effect of Tungsten Oxide on the Crystallization Properties of Glasses of the B2O3–La2O3–Nb2O5 System

Glass Physics and Chemistry - The effect of tungsten oxide on the crystallization properties of glasses of the 37.5B2O3 22.5La2O3 (40 – x)Nb2O5 xWO3 (where x = 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 mol %)...     

Effect of Sb_2O_3 Replace V_2O_5 on the Electronic Property of V2O5–P2O5–Sb2O3–Bi2O3 Glass System

采用体积电阻率法、红外光谱、X射线衍射研究了V2O5–P2O5–Sb2O3–Bi2O3体系玻璃的电性能、结构和析晶状况。结果表明：随着Sb2O3取代部分V2O5,玻璃的体积电阻率显著升高,电子分别以V4＋和V5＋为中心不停地进行电子跃迁的电子导电特征得到明显抑制,15%Sb2O3、20%Sb2O3玻璃的体积电阻率可以达到实用水平。当Sb2O3取代V2O5进入钒酸盐玻璃中,玻璃结构得到增强,析晶状况得到改善,削弱了玻璃的导电能力。     

Melt extraction processing of structural Y2O3–Al2O3 fibers

Compounds in the system Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ are promising materials for optical, electronic and structural applications. In this study, a melt extraction process with a new approach to making ceramic fibers was used to produce amorphous fibers in the Y₂O₃–Al₂O₃ system within the 20–30-micron size range. Smooth and uniform cross section fibers with relatively high tensile strength were obtained depending on the wheel velocity. X-ray diffraction of as-extracted fibers revealed the non-crystalline nature of the yttria-alumina compositions. The crystallization and glass transition temperatures of non-crystalline fibers were determined using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Crystalline phases were identified by X-ray diffraction in the fibers after heat treatment.     

Effects of La2O3–B2O3 on the flexural strength and microwave dielectric properties of low temperature co-fired CaO–B2O3–SiO2 glass–ceramic

The La₂O₃–B₂O₃ (LB) addition, synthesized using the traditional solid-state reaction process, was chosen as a novel sintering aid of the low temperature co-fired CaO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ (CBS) glass–ceramic. The effects of LB on the flexural strength and microwave dielectric properties have been investigated. The LB addition promotes the crystallization of the CaSiO₃ but high amount of the LB addition leads to the formation of more pores. The CBS sample with 4 wt% LB addition sintered at 850 °C for 15 min shows good properties: flexural strength = 193 MPa, ?_r = 6.26 and loss = 9.96 × 10^?4 (10 GHz).     

Effect of varying Al2O3 contents of CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 slags on lumped MgO dissolution

This study utilized the single hot thermocouple technique to examine the dissolution behavior of lumped magnesium oxide (MgO) in CaO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ ternary slags. The aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) content in the slag (C/S = 1) varied from 10% to 30%; the MgO sphere with a diameter of 1 mm was placed in molten slags at 1,550 °C. Results showed that the dissolution rate decreased as the Al₂O₃ content increased up to 20%. Over 20% Al₂O₃, MgAl₂O₄ was formed at the interface of MgO and it did not fully melt at 30% Al₂O₃. The dissolution behavior and the formation of MgAl₂O₄ were analyzed by a phase diagram provided by Factsage 7.0 software. In the case of less than 20% Al₂O₃ content, apparent sphere radii were measured; the shrinking core model was then applied to understand the dissolution mechanism. The dissolution rate of both slags was controlled by boundary layer diffusion. The dissolution rate at 20% Al₂O₃ slag appeared to fit the behavior to the boundary layer diffusion, although it deviated during the middle stage of the dissolution because of MgAl₂O₄ formation. The 10% Al₂O₃ slag fitted well to the boundary layer diffusion curve; the obtained diffusion coefficient was 0.94 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s.     

Effect of Al2O3 content on BaO–Al2O3–B2O3–SiO2 glass sealant for solid oxide fuel cell

The glass structure, wetting behavior and crystallization of BaO–Al₂O₃–B₂O₃–SiO₂ system glass containing 2–10 mol% Al₂O₃ were investigated. The introduction of Al₂O₃ caused the conversion of [BO₃] units and [BO₄] units to each other and it played as glass network former when the content was up to 10 mol%, accompanied by [BO₄] → [BO₃]. The stability of the glass improved first and then decreased as Al₂O₃ increased from 2 to 10 mol%, the glass with 5 mol% Al₂O₃ being the most stable one. The wetting behavior of the glasses indicates that excess Al₂O₃ leads to high sealing temperature. The glass containing 5 mol% Al₂O₃ characterized by a lower sealing temperature is suitable for SOFC sealing. Al₂O₃ improves the crystallization temperature of the glass. The crystal phases in the reheated glasses are mainly composed of Ba₂Si₃O₈, BaSiO₃, BaB₂O₄ and BaAl₂Si₂O₈. Al₂O₃ helps the crystallization of BaSiO₃ and BaAl₂Si₂O₈.     

Effect of P2O5 on evolution of microstructure of MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass ceramics

Abstract

MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ (MAS) cordierite based glass ceramics were prepared by volume crystallisation. X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy and Energy diffraction scanning were used to investigate crystallisation behaviour and the influence of P₂O₅ on microstructure MAS based glass ceramics. The results showed that P⁵⁺ could promote the phase separation of MAS glass and that the glass was divided into two areas, such as Mg₄Al₂Ti₉O₂₅ and the containing P⁵⁺ area at <900°C. Mg₄Al₂Ti₉O₂₅ and Mg₃(PO₄)₂ in the area were both advantageous to the precipitation of μ cordierite, which further transformed to α cordierite due to P⁵⁺ in the residual glassy phase. However, P⁵⁺ inhibited the presence of cordierite when the heat treatment temperature was >900°C.     

Viscous behaviour of Bi2O3–B2O3–ZnO glass composites with ceramic fillers

Abstract

Variation in the viscous flow behaviour, nature and extent of glass fluidity in glass/filler composites are addressed with respect to various factors such as filler type, content, size, density and migration distance. The characterisation of a glass (Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃–ZnO) composite consisting of two different fillers (cordierite and willemite) was determined using hot stage microscopy, a differential scanning calorimeter and a flow button test. The microstructure was analysed using a scanning electron microscope. The apparent viscosity of the glass composites increased on increasing concentration and density of the filler. The variation in the viscosity is due to the diffusion of the glass matrix through channels in the cordierite filler of the composite. Based on the calculated migration distance of the filler in the glass matrix, the present work suggests that the interfacial behaviour and the density of the filler play a significant role in determining the viscous flow of the glass composites.     

The corrosion resistance of microsilica-containing Al2O3–MgO and Al2O3–spinel castables

Microsilica addition in Al₂O₃–MgO and Al₂O₃–spinel castables helps to improve their flowability and partially accommodate their residual expansion after firing. Nevertheless, there is a lack of conclusive statements in the literature regarding the effects of microsilica on one of the main requisites for steel ladle refractories: corrosion resistance. In the present work, the performance of alumina–magnesia and alumina–spinel with or without microsilica when in contact with a steel ladle slag was evaluated based on three aspects: the material's physical properties, its chemical composition and the microstructural features before the slag attack. According to the attained results, microsilica induced liquid formation and pore growth during sintering, favoring the physical slag infiltration. Moreover, due to this liquid, CA₆ was formed in the matrix, mainly for the Al₂O₃–spinel composition, which also favored the castable dissolution into the molten slag.     

Large third-order optical nonlinearity of ZnO–Bi2O3–B2O3 glass–ceramic containing Bi2ZnB2O7 nanocrystals

Homogeneous transparent optical glass–ceramics precipitated with unique nonlinear crystals are promising materials for photonic applications. We have utilized heat treatment method to prepare transparent ZnO–Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃ glass–ceramic containing Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ nonlinear nanocrystals. A large third-order nonlinear susceptibility χ⁽³⁾ of glass–ceramic is measured by Z-scan technique, which mainly attributed to unique [BiO₆] and [B₂O₅] units in Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ crystal structure and the quantum size effect of nanoparticles. The discovery is of great potential in the application of nonlinear optical integrated devices.     

Dielectric Characteristics of Ceramics in BaO–Nd2O3–TiO2–Ta2O5 System

Dielectric ceramics in the BaO–Nd₂O₃–TiO₂–Ta₂O₅ system were prepared and characterized. The ceramics with tungsten–bronze structure based on the compositions Ba₂NdTi₂Ta₃O₁₅ and Ba₅NdTi₃Ta₇O₃₀ had a high dielectric constant (>100) with a lower frequency-dependency when complete densification was achieved; a low dielectric loss was obtained in the former.     

Characterization of chemosynthetic H3PO4–Al2O3–2SiO2 geopolymers

Pure chemosynthetic Al₂O₃–2SiO₂ powders fabricated by a sol–gel method exhibit high phosphoric acid-activated properties and high compressive strengths. The phosphoric acid-activated properties could be characterized by compressive strength. The phase structure evolution of synthetic powders and the resulting geopolymers were investigated by DTA-TG, XRD, FTIR and MAS NMR analysis. These results show that the phosphoric acid-activation region of the synthetic powders was in the range of 200–800 °C, which was much lower than the temperature at which kaolinite was converted into metakaolinite. ³¹P MAS NMR analysis revealed that [PO₄] tetrahedra were part of the geopolymer structure.     

Calculation of the Viscosity of Glass-Forming Melts: VI. The R2O–B2O3–SiO2and RO–B2O3–SiO2Ternary Borosilicate Systems

A method for calculating the viscosity from composition and temperature for melts in the R _m O _n –B₂O₃–SiO₂systems is proposed. The change in the concentrations of structural groups depending on the melt composition is taken into account in calculations. The results of calculations are compared with the experimental data available in the literature on the viscosity of 1200 melts with the use of the SciGlass information system. The root-mean-square deviation between the experimental and calculated characteristic temperatures varies from 30 K (for the glass transition temperature and the Littleton point) to 50 K (for a viscosity of 10⁴P).     

Processing and crystallisation of rapidly solidified Al2O3–Y2O3 fibres

Abstract

Amorphous fibres of the Al₂O₃–Y₂O₃ system were prepared by a melt extraction technique, and subjected to crystallisation. The quality of the melt extracted fibres is controlled by the wheel edge and rotational speed, with both having a significant effect on fibre diameter and avoidance of irregularities and instabilities along the fibre length. Tensile strength in the glassy state varied from 0·6 to 1·0 GPa. Crystallisation activation energies calculated from scan-rate dependence of DTA peaks are 741 and 1374 kJ mol^-1 for E1 (Al₂O₃–yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) eutectic), 390 kJ mol^-1 for YAG, and 438 kJ mol^-1 for E2 (YAG–yttrium aluminium perovskite (YAP) eutectic) by the Kissinger method; and 698 and 1346 kJ mol^-1 for E1, 352 kJ mol^-1 for YAG, and 399 kJ mol^-1 for E2 by the Augis–Bennett method.     

Effect of CaO doping on the properties and crystallization behavior of Y2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 glass

Nowadays, Y₂O₃–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ (YAS) glass joining is considered to be a promising scheme for nuclear-grade continuous silicon carbide (SiC) fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC/SiC). CaO has great potential for nuclear applications since it has low reactivity and low decay rate under nuclear irradiation. In this paper, the effect of CaO doping on the structure, thermophysical properties, and crystallization behavior of YAS glass was systematically studied. As the CaO doping content increased, the number of bridge oxygens and the viscosity at high temperatures reduced gradually. After heat treatment at 1400 °C, the main phases in YAS glass were β-Y₂Si₂O₇, mullite, and SiO₂ (coexistence of crystalline and glass phases), while that with 3.0% CaO doping turned into a single glassy phase under the same treatment conditions. Moreover, a structural model and the modification mechanism were proposed, which provided a theoretical basis for the subsequent component design and optimization.