INFLUENCE OF PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF WOLLASTONITE ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CBPCs (CHEMICALLY BONDED PHOSPHATE CERAMICS)

摘要

This paper investigates the compressive strength and curing of chemically bonded phosphate ceramics (CBPC) as effected by the particle size of its Wollastonite (CaSiO_3) powder component. The CBPC was fabricated by mixing a patented aqueous phosphoric acid formulation with Wollastonite powder. The phosphoric acid formulation was adapted to the powder particle size in order to increase the setting time of the reaction. Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the crystalline and amorphous phases, as well as the microstructure evolution. Additionally X-ray diffraction (XRD) was also utilized. The stability of the various phases with temperature was studied with Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA).