Microstructure and properties of CaO–ZrO2–SiO2 glass–ceramics prepared by sintering

For the development of a new wear resistant and chemically stable glass-ceramic glaze, the CaO–ZrO2–SiO2 system was studied. Compositions consisting of CaO, ZrO2, and SiO2 were used for frit, which formed a glass-ceramic under a single stage heat treatment in electric furnace. In the sintered glass-ceramic, wollastonite (CaSiO3) and calcium zirconium silicate (Ca2ZrSi4O12) were crystalline phases composed of surface and internal crystals in the microstructure. The internal crystal formed with nuclei having a composition of Ca1.2Si4.3Zr0.2O8. The CaO–ZrO2–SiO2 system showed good properties in wear and chemical resistance because the Ca2ZrSi4O12 crystals positively affected physical and mechanical properties.