The effect of compositional changes on the crystallisation behaviour and mechnical properties of Li₂O-CaO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃

The crystallisation characteristics of glasses based on the Li₂O-CaO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃(LCSA) system containing TiO₂, ZrO₂ has been investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The partial replacement of Li₂O, CaO and SiO₂ by TiO₂, ZrO₂ in the studied glass-ceramics led to the development of different crystalline phase assemblages, including lithium calcium silicates, wollastonite, β-eucryptite and β-spodumene using various heat-treatment processes. The rod-like growth morphology was observed by SEM for glass free of TiO₂. In this glass, ZrO₂ reduced mobility of boundary at sintering temperature, 1000°C and relatively density was 77%. The most sinterability observed in sample containing TiO₂ and free of ZrO₂ at sintering temperature, 1000°C and relatively density was 84%.