Crystallization Behavior of CaO–P2O5 Glass with TiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3 Additions

TiO₂ above 4 mol% is an effective nucleating agent for CaO–P₂O₅ glass which also contains substantial SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ additions. Glass ceramics can be made from this glass using a single slow heating ramp with no need for a nucleating heat treatment step. Powder of this composition crystallizes rapidly to β-Ca₂P₂O₇, whereas bulk glass crystallizes from diphasic nuclei consisting of a central cubic Ca-P-Ti-Si-Al oxide phase surrounded by impure AlPO₄ dendrites. Metastable calcium phosphate grows on the AlPO₄ dendrites and later transforms to β-Ca₂P₂O₇.