Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
A technique has been developed for the synthesis and near-net-shape formingof celsian glass-ceramics. This technique involves ion exchange of zeoliteprecursor powders, heat treatment of the powders to temperatures between800–90°C to form a glassy phase during which the samples are formed underlow stresses (<20 MPa). Upon further heat treatment to about 1000°C,crystallization occurs and the amorphous formed body is transformed to thecelsian ceramic phase. Using this technique, and through the addition ofmonoclinic seed particles as well as a mineralizer, monoclinic celsian wasproduced at temperatures as low as 1000°C at heat treatment times of lessthan one hour. This forming technique also resulted in a significantreduction in the porosity of the ceramic bodies compared to free-sinteredsamples.