Fast synthesis of Mg2SiO4 via arc plasma melting method for forsterite ceramics production

Abstract

A fast method of arc plasma synthesis was employed to obtain forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) and forsterite ceramics from natural minerals and pure oxides. The arc plasma synthesis process was directly investigated using temperature measurements (spectral pyrometry) and high-speed video recording. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized forsterite was performed through phase analysis (XRD, FTIR), morphological studies (SEM), mechanical strength testing, and hydrostatic weighing. The influence of sintering temperatures on the bending strength, porosity, and density of the forsterite ceramics was examined. It was established that during the arc plasma synthesis of Mg₂SiO₄, a surface temperature of 2842 ± 16 K was achieved in the molten materials. The synthesis was completed within approximately 25–30 s. The arc plasma-synthesized forsterite was subsequently ball-milled to produce a fine Mg₂SiO₄ powder, which was then sintered using conventional ceramics technology. The resulting forsterite ceramics exhibited a sintering temperature of 1550 °C, a relative density of 85–90 % and a bending strength of 45 MPa. The properties of forsterite ceramics derived from arc plasma-synthesized forsterite were found to be comparable to those of materials produced via conventional solid-state synthesis. However, the arc plasma synthesis method significantly reduced the time required for forsterite synthesis, highlighting its potential as an efficient alternative for ceramic material production.