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Investigation of superstructures in mullite by high resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction

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Abstract

Superstructures in synthetic mullite, Al4+2x Si2−2x O10−x , prepared using the zone melting technique, are studied by high resolution electron microscopy (HREM), electron diffraction, and in situ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. For x=0.40 composition HREM images indicate only short-range order. Near x=0.5 composition mullite has an antiphase domain structure with antiphase boundaries (APB's) oriented parallel to (100). For higher Al-content the APB's run in non-rational orientations which are slightly inclined against the {601}-planes. We propose models for the superstructures in which oxygen vacancies are arranged in channels parallel to the crystal b-axis. The models are supported by a one-to-one match between observed and computer-simulated images. An Al-rich limit of x=2/3 for mullite is deduced on the basis of stereochemical considerations. Different ordering schemes for the tetrahedral cations are believed to result in the orientation change of the APB's near x=0.5 composition.

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  1. Laboratorium für Festkörperphysik, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Hönggerberg, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland

    J. Ylä-Jääski & H.-U. Nissen

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  1. J. Ylä-Jääski
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  2. H.-U. Nissen
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Ylä-Jääski, J., Nissen, HU. Investigation of superstructures in mullite by high resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Phys Chem Minerals 10, 47–54 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00309584

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00309584

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