New Method For Determining The Nucleation And Crystal-Growth Rates In Glasses

The rates for nucleation (I) and crystal growth (U) for a lithium disilicate (Li20.2Si02) glass were determined, as a function of temperature, using a new differential thermal analysis (DTA) technique. This technique requires in situ nucleation and crystal-growth heat treatment of a small amount of powdered sample inside the DTA apparatus, which then are followed by a DTA scan at a constant heating rate. The I and U values that have been determined at selected temperatures for the LS2 glass are in excellent agreement with those reported in the literature.