Use of Devitrification for Improved Structure in Ceramics

The devitrification process, which entails fritting the complete composition, preparing specimens of the powdered glass, and firing, has resulted in markedly improved structure in ceramics. This is the result of mixing of the composition on an atomic basis, retaining a randomly oriented structure in the fritted raw material, forming the basic crystalline phase by devitrification during a subsequent firing operation, and the maturing of the composition by sintering, crystal to crystal in the case of stoichiometric compositions, or in the presence of a glass in a more complex composition. Percentages of true density up to 99% have been realized along with markedly improved physical and electrical properties.