Sintered Glass–Ceramics and Glass–Ceramic Matrix Composites from CRT Panel Glass

Sintering with simultaneous crystallization of powdered glass represents an interesting processing route for glass–ceramics, especially originating from wastes. Highly dense glass–ceramic samples may be obtained from a simple and short treatment at a relatively low temperature. In addition, glass–ceramic matrix composites may be obtained by mixing glass with suitable reinforcements. In this work sintered nepheline glass–ceramics, based on panel glass from cathode ray tubes, are illustrated. A limited addition of Al₂O₃ platelets caused a significant improvement in the mechanical properties (elastic modulus, bending strength, microhardness, fracture toughness), already remarkable for the un-reinforced glass–ceramic, compared with traditional nepheline glass–ceramics.