Effects of ZrO₂ on Crystallization of ZnO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ Glass

Abstract

The effects of ZrO₂ on the crystallization behaviors of ZnO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ glasses were investigated in order to prepare transparent glass ceramics containing ZnAl₂O₄ nano-crystal. Nucleation in 20ZnO·20Al₂O₃·60SiO₂ glass proceeded vigorously at the temperature range between 775°C and 825°C. Though a few silicate phases precipitated in as-quenched 20ZnO·20Al₂O₃·60SiO₂ glasses, addition of ZrO₂ and nucleation heat treatments promote the precipitation of ZnAl₂O₄. As a result, a transparent glass ceramic containing ZnAl₂O₄ nano-crystal was obtained by crystallization of 20ZnO·20Al₂O₃·54SiO₂·6ZrO₂ glass after the heat-treatment at 775°C for 24hr.