Effects of boron addition and intensive grinding on synthesis of anorthite ceramics

Anorthite ceramics were synthesized starting from mixtures prepared by using mechanochemical methods with boron oxide addition. The raw materials used in this study were Sivas Kaolin, calcined alumina/Al(OH)3 and calcite. Statistical experimental design techniques (SED) were used in order to determine and analyze the more important process variables for synthesizing anorthite ceramics. Phase characterizations of synthesized powders were performed by XRD using Cu Ka radiation. Microstructural characterization was performed by SEM. The results of screening experimental design clarified that the temperature was the most important process variable. Second most important process variable was grinding speed of starting mixture which was followed by additive amount and additive type. The effect of both additive use and grinding on anorthite synthesis helped decrease the synthesis temperature down to 900 8C. # 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.