Effect of CeO2 on the Crystalline Structure of Forsterite Synthesized from Low-Grade Magnesite

Abstract

The influence of CeO2 on the crystalline structure of forsterite synthesized from low-grade magnesite and natural silica is discussed in this paper. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the crystalline structure and microstructure of each specimen, while X’ Pert Plus software was used to determine each specimen’s lattice parameters. The bulk density, apparent porosity, water absorption, and cold crushing strength of the specimens were determined in accordance with standards issued by the Ministry. The results show that forsterite can be synthesized from low-grade magnesite and natural silica through solid reaction. The synthesis process is facilitated by addition of the appropriate amount of CeO2. A defect caused by Ce2O in active magnesia accelerates diffusion of the ions. The results obtained by XRD, SEM, and property analysis show that the optimum addition of CeO2 is 0.8 – 1.2%. The forsterite has a microstructure with a homogeneous grain size, a bulk density of 2.15 – 1.18 g/cm3, apparent porosity of 29.5 – 30.1%, water absorption of 13.5 – 14.0%, and cold crushing strength of 13.4 – 14.2 MPa.