The slip casting and mechanical characterisation of magnesium-alumino-silicate glass-ceramics

An investigation of the slip preparation and casting of two magnesium-alumi no-silicate glass powders has demonstrated the particular importance of the control of particle size distribution and slip viscosity in fabricating un iform glass-ceramics by powder methods. Measurement of strength and fractur e toughness of fired material, coupled with particle size analysis and scan ning electron microscopy has allowed interpretation of the quality of the m aterial produced in terms of strength limiting flaws. Suggestions for the i mprovement of this type of material are made. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publ ishers.