Effect of additives on the decomposition, densification and phase analysis of zircon

Abstract

The present work deals with the densification, decomposition and phase analysis of zircon flour in presence of different additives sintered at three different temperature of 15000 C, 1550 0C and 16000 C for a soaking period of 2hours. The study has been done for five different batches, prepared with four different additives – alumina, iron oxide, magnesium oxide, and titanium oxide and fifth batch is without additive. Additives were used at 1 wt% level. Zircon sand and the additives were mixed, pressed and sintered.
The sintered samples were then characterized for the physical properties like, bulk density, apparent porosity, water absorption and shrinkage. Results reveal that the additives used are beneficial for sintering of zircon showing better properties then the reference sample without additives. Phase analysis showed decomposition of zircon and formation of zirconia at high temperature and the phase intensity of zirconia is found to be increased with increasing temperature.