Abstract
Forsterite, Mg2SiO4, precursor was synthesized from alkoxide solution containing MgO powder with average particle sizes of 0.1, 0.05 or 0.01μm. Effects of the particle size of MgO and milling of the precursor on the crystalline phase of precursors and calcined powders were examined. The obtained slurry was very stable. The precursor prepared with 0.01μm MgO was identified as amorphous. Calcining temperature of 1000°C was enough to make monolithic forsterite powder. With increase in particle size of MgO, however, MgO was distinctly identified in the precursor. Calcination of this precursor at 1200°C did not yield monolithic forsterite powder. MgO remained in the calcined powder. In order to eliminate the remaining MgO, the precursor was ball-milled with the planetary milling equipment. It was recognized that such milling was effective to eliminate the MgO and lower the crystallization temperature to forsterite.
