The electron microscopic and X-ray diffraction examination of a lithium zinc silicate glass-ceramic

Abstract

This paper describes a crystallographic study of an experimental glass-ceramic. The crystallisation of the glass has been followed by electron microscopy, both of bulk specimens and of thin films, and by electron and X-ray diffraction.

Comparisons have been made between the structures observed in the bulk samples and the thin films. The importance of microstructure in determining the mechanical strength of the glass-ceramic has been shown and the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure demonstrated.