β-Spodumene Glass-Ceramic with Anomalous Low Thermal Expansion

Abstract

To survey new method for controlling thermal expansion of glass-ceramic material, we studied the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the microstructure of β-spodumene glass-ceramics. We found that the CTE of the β-spodumene glass-ceramics is remarkably reduced by introducing interstices at the boundary between the crystalline and glass phases. Despite its relatively low crystallinity (45vol%), a newly developed glass-ceramic showed an anomalous low thermal expansion of 7x10-7 /oC, which compares to that of silica glass. The mechanical strength of this glass-ceramic was at the same level as that of natural stones: marble and granite.