Melt-casting of Si–Al–Y–O glasses and glass-ceramics by combustion synthesis under high gravity

Si–Al–Y–O glasses and glass-ceramics were prepared via melt-casting by combustion synthesis under high gravity. The phase assemblage and microstructure of the cast products strongly depended on the content of SiO2 and the additive ZrO2 or La2O3 in the starting compositions. With increasing content of SiO2, the glass-forming ability of the melt was enhanced. The additive ZrO2 was not dissolved into the glass and inclined to crystallize, but La2O3 was inclined to remain in the glass matrix instead of precipitation. With a short processing period and lower energy consumption, combustion synthesis under high gravity can offer a new approach to fast fabrication of glass and glass-ceramic materials.

Research Highlights
► Si-Al-Y-O glasses and glass-ceramics are melt-casted by combustion synthesis under high gravity.
► More SiO2 enhances the glass-forming ability.
► ZrO2 is not dissolved into the glass and tends to crystallization, but La2O3 remains in the glass matrix instead of precipitation.