Influence of different raw material mixtures with olivines on synthesis and properties of forsterite ceramics

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to characterize the influence of different raw material olivine's mixtures on the synthesis process for formation of forsterite ceramics and the resulting properties of fired body. Forsterite ceramics is mostly used in electrotechnical industry for its high coefficient of linear thermal expansion for ceramic-metal joints. It is also used in the cement and metallurgical industry as a refractory material for the lining of kilns and furnaces due to its high refractoriness of up to 1850C. Currently, forsterite ceramics is not produced in the Czech Republic. The primary objective is to synthesize forsterite ceramics via solid state reaction using different raw materials containing magnesium and/or silicon oxides together with olivines to ensure the exact ratio for formation of stoichiometric forsterite. Slovakia offers import of talc as well as magnesite and its products. The Czech Republic has significant reserves of quartz sand which can be used as a source of silicon dioxide. This article assessed the influence of different raw material mixtures with olivines on synthesis and properties of forsterite ceramics in terms of mineralogical composition, physico-mechanical properties of fired body and refractoriness.