Effect of Spodumene Addition on Sintering and Densification of Jadeite Powder

Abstract

α-Spodumene (Li₂O.Al₂O₃.4SiO₂) has been investigated as a sintering aid for the densification of jadeite. Jadeite powder was sintered with spodumene powder, at 5 mass%, under ordinary pressure at 1173K for 3 hours. The sintering product was characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A complex structure was observed in the grains, where crystals and glasses formed in a network pattern. The results showed that the presence of spodumene reduced the decomposition of jadeite into nepheline and improved the sintering and densification of jadeite.