Abstract

LAS-system ceramic powder, spodumene (Li_2OcdotAl_2O_3cdot4SiO_2), was successfully synthesized by a chemical solution technique employing PVA(polyvinyl alcohol) as an organic carrier. The PVA content affected the microstructure of porous precursor gels and the crystalline development. The optimum PVA content contributed to homogeneous distribution of metal ions in the precursor gel and it resulted in the synthesis of glass free beta-spodumene powder having a specific surface area of 7.57;m2/g. The agglomerated beta-spodumene powders were also enough soft to grind to fine powders by a simple ball milling process. The microstructures of the densified powder compacts were strongly dependant on the minor phases of spodumene solid solution and amount of liquid phase, which were formed from the inhomogeneous precursors.

• Keywords: Powder synthesis;Polyvinyl alcohol;Spodumene;Precursor;Microstructure;