Crystallization of MgO • Al2 • SiO2 • ZrO2 glasses

Transformation toughening by ZrO2 inclusions in various ceramic matrices has led to improved mechanical properties in these materials. Although the processing of these materials usually involves standard ceramic powder processing techniques, an alternate method of producing ZrO2 particles involves the devtrification of a ZrO2-containing glass. In this study the effects of glass composition (ZrO2 concentration) and heat treatment on the morphology of the crystallization products in a MgO•Al2•SiO2•ZrO2 glass was investigated.