Synthesis of monocrystalline Ca3SiO5 using the optical floating zone method

In the present study, the floating zone method was used for annealing polycrystalline rods of monoclinic and triclinic C3S just below the melting point of the phase. Large monocrystalline grains (> 500 μm) of the monoclinic (Al, Mg-doped) and triclinic polymorphs could successfully be obtained. Monocrystallinity was demonstrated by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The chemical composition regarding incorporation of foreign ions and thus the resulting crystallographic modification of the C3S can easily be adjusted. Chemical homogeneity of the synthesized monocrystalline grains was proven by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA).