Scientists from St. Petersburg State University (SPbSU) became the first to accurately determine the crystal structures of all high-temperature modifications of minerals known as barium feldspars. The discovery will help increase the durability of ceramics, the university’s press service said.
During the research, experts examined the crystal structures and thermal transitions of barium feldspars, revealing how they break down under extreme conditions. This knowledge will improve the quality and durability of ceramic materials, as barium feldspars are widely used in industry.
Barium feldspars (with the general formula BaAl2Si2O8) have low thermal expansion, high chemical and thermal stability, and luminescence. However, materials based on them deteriorate over time. Despite the widespread use of these minerals, their high temperature modifications have not been previously investigated. St Petersburg University scientists used several modern methods, including X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy at high temperatures; this made it possible to determine the crystal structure of hexaceline and its changes during heating.
Source: Ferra

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