The influence of nano-silica and zircon additions on the sintering and mechanical properties of in situ formed forsterite

The influence of nano-silica and zircon additions on the sintering and mechanical properties of in situ formed forsterite fired at 1550 °C for 2 h was investigated. The results indicated that, nano-silica improved in situ formed forsterite at the firing temperature, while zircon additions enhanced the sintering of the investigated samples. XRD analysis and SEM examination observed a good crystallinity of in situ formed forsterite with nano-silica and/or zircon additions. Densification parameter (BD ∼3.22 g/cm3 and AP ∼5.82%), cold crushing strength (CCS ∼285 MPa) and micro-hardness (Hv ∼660) were enhanced with zircon additions.