Abstract
The physical nature of what is usually described as “plasma-dissociated” zircon is very much dependent on the rate of quenching of the molten material after it has passed through or around the plasma. A product composed of small particles is rapidly cooled and the dominant microstructure is that of tiny crystallites of monoclinic zirconia intimately intergrown with a matrix of amorphous silica. If, as a consequence of the layout of the device itself, the product is in a more massive form, then the cooling rates in the interior are slower and considerable grain growth occurs. The zirconia forms segregations of comparatively large grains which, though still surrounded by silica, lack the intimate intergrowth we now find to be necessary to impart certain unique properties recently shown to be of interest to the ceramic colour, refractory and metallurgical industries. There is a continous relationship between microstructure and quenching rate, whether the samples come from the same or different plasma furnaces.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
H. A. Morriss andJ. P. H. Williamson, B.P. 1,447,276 (August, 1976) U.S.P. 4,047,970 (September, 1977).
J. P. H. Williamson andH. A. Morriss, B.P. 1,491,977 (November, 1977), U.S.P. 4,053,320 (October, 1977), German O.S.P. 26,256,031, Jap. Pat. Spec. 68181/76.
A. M. Evans andJ. P. H. Williamson,J. Mater. Sci. 12 (1977) 779.
P. H. Wilks andM. L. Thorpe,Chem. Technol. January 31 (1972).
M. L. Thorpe, in “Advances in Extractive Metallurgy and Refining”, edited by M. J. Jones (Inst. Min. Metall., London, 1972) p. 275.
C. S. Smith,Met. Rev. 9 (1964) 1.
S. N. Ruddlesden (British Ceramic Research Association Laboratories), private communications.
J. L. Moilliet andD. A. Plant,J. Oil Col. Chem. Assoc. 52 (1969) 289.
C. L. Grant (University of Durham, New Hampshire), private communication.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Evans, A.M., Williamson, J.P.H. The influence of quenching rates on the microstructure and properties of plasma-dissociated zircon. J Mater Sci 14, 680–686 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00772730
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00772730