Low-temperature molten salt synthesis of forsterite powders with controllable morphology

Forsterite powders with controllable morphology were synthesized using oxides as raw materials in NaCl-KCl molten salt media. The effects of MgO/SiO2 ratio, calcining temperature, and salt/oxide ratio on the phase composition and morphology of the powders are investigated. The results indicate that single-phase forsterite powders can be synthesized from a mixture of MgO and SiO2 with a MgO/SiO2 molar ratio of 2:1.3 at 700 degrees C. With the increase in calcining temperature, the powders obtained changes from an irregular to a columnar morphology. In addition, the morphology of the forsterite powders produced can also be controlled by altering the salt/oxide ratio.