Effect of CaO on the surface morphology and strength of water soaked Na2O–B2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 vitrified bond

Abstract The surface morphology of Na 2 O–B 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 vitrified bond with and without calcium oxide was studied by soaking vitrified bonded microcrystalline alumina composites in water. The content of water introduced to the vitrified bond was determined by thermal gravity analysis, and the effects of water and calcium on the phase separation and nucleation of the vitrified bond were investigated using scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Soaked in water for 72 h, the Na 2 O–B 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 vitrified bond presented a porous surface, and its bending strength declined with increasing sintering temperature. However, the Na 2 O–CaO–B 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 vitrified bond was more durable against aqueous coolant even needle-shape crystals were found clustered on the surface of the vitrified bond. The crystals were enriched with aluminosilicate tested by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrums. The appearance of crystals lessened the dissolution of the vitrified bond and made the bending strength increase in the sintering temperature region between 870 °C and 930 °C.