Study of directional crystallization process in a cold container with direct radio-frequency heating

Abstract

The growth process of cubic zirconia crystals by the directional crystallization technique in a cold container was examined. It was found that the rate of increase in diameter of crystals of preferred orientation during growth of the crystalline aggregate depends on the value of the density of power absorbed by the melt at the beginning of crystallization, which determines the axial thermal gradient in the melt. This effect is in accordance with the theory developed by Tiller regarding the growth mechanism in the grooves formed at the interfaces between growing crystals. Under equivalent conditions, the axial thermal gradient determines the depths of the grooves, which in turn controls the rate of displacement of some crystals by others.