Characterisation and development of fine porosity in magnesium potassium phosphate ceramics

• Published in: Materials letters 2015-12, Vol.161, p.628-630
• Main Authors: Viani, A., Radulescu, A., Peréz-Estébanez, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amorphous materials; Ceramics; Chemically bonded ceramics; Magnesium; Magnesium oxide; Microstructure; Neutron scattering; Porosity; Rietveld-RIR method; Small-angle neutron scattering; Specific surface area; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2015.09.056

Characterisation of porosity and microstructure in chemically-bonded ceramics was accomplished by small-angle neutron scattering. Microstructural parameters were also followed during the setting reaction and obtained kinetic curves were compared with results of XRD quantitative phase analysis up to 1 month. Results indicate that less reactive MgO yields a more compact microstructure, the same happens during the progress of the reaction. The reaction product forms from an amorphous precursor and its development was found to scale with the microstructural parameters. A change in reaction mechanism after 40min is suggested. [Display omitted] •SANS derived microstructural parameters are shown to describe the reaction kinetic.•We show that the product of reaction scales with microstructural parameters.•We show that the product of reaction forms from an amorphous precursor.•The microstructure between 15 and 30 days shows negligible changes.•Less reactive MgO leads to a more compact microstructure.