Equation of state of polycrystalline and single-crystal MgO to 8 kilobars and 800°K

Abstract

MgO has been measured again. Most measurements of the elastic properties of materials, interesting to geophysics, have been made as a function of pressure at room temperature or as a function of temperature at atmospheric pressure. A lapped seal between a buffer rod and sample has made it possible to use ultrasonic interferometry to 1000°K and 10 kb. The elastic constants of poly crystalline and single-crystal MgO were measured in a gas high-pressure system over a temperature range from 300°K to the Debye temperature of MgO. Data from the polycrystalline specimen indicated large effects of temperature on the pressure derivatives. These data did not agree with the results obtained from single-crystal measurements. Upon remeasuring the ceramic sample it becomes apparent that the data are not reproducible after the sample has been cycled to high temperature and pressure. Additional sintering, deformation of the individual grains, and recrystallization take place, which change the properties of the sample. These problems and the problems of sintering isotropic aggregates of theoretical density limit the usefulness of this widely used procedure. Order from the American Geophysical Union, Suite 435, 2100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington D.C 20037. Document J70-001; $1.00.