Non-isothermal sinter-crystallization of jagged Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2 glass and simulation using a modified form of the Clusters model

We have tested a modified form of the Clusters model of sintering for the complex case of non-isothermal sintering with concurrent crystallization of a multicomponent lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glass having a broad size distribution of jagged particles. We compared experimental and simulated densification data using a constant heating rate. Only one adjustable parameter was used: the particle shape factor (K-s). We discuss the results in light of some complicating factors, such as temperature gradients within the powder compacts and compositional shifts of the residual glass matrix due to crystallization, which lead to changes of viscosity. The modified Clusters model accurately predicted the temperature dependence of densification and the final (saturation) density of the glass particle compacts. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.