Recrystallization of Amorphized α-TCP

Abstract

Phase-pure α-TCP powder was milled using a high-energy planetary mill to obtain a partially X-ray amorphous material. Calcination at temperatures between 350 and 600 °C was employed to recrystallize the powder. The phase composition as a function of calcination time and temperature was determinedin-situusing high-temperature XRD equipment. It was found that the amorphous fraction recrystallized mainly to α-TCP, with only small amounts of β-TCP formed. At low temperatures (≤ 450 °C), a stable composition with approximately 85 wt-% α-TCP was found once 100% crystallinity was reached. The time required to reach full crystallinity depended on the calcination temperature. For temperatures > 450 °C a slow transformation to β-TCP was observed. The transformation rate depended on the calcination temperature and on the milling intensity. A moderately milled powder recrystallized to α-TCP, followed by a slow transformation to β-TCP at 600 °C, whereas an intensely milled powder also recrystallized to α-TCP, followed by a fast transformation to β-TCP at the same temperature.