Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Crystal Nucleation in Glass of the Li2O–SiO2 System

Resumo

The results of studying the kinetics of homogeneous (spontaneous) and heterogeneous (catalyzed) crystal nucleation in silicate glass is presented for glasses in the Li₂O–SiO₂ system. Nucleation is catalyzed via the photosensitive mechanism by adding poorly soluble impurities, shifting the glass composition towards the higher content of one of the components (autocatalysis), and by passing steam through the glass melt. The fundamental characteristics of crystal nucleation are obtained. The composition ranges with the maximum and minimum steady-state crystal nucleation rates are identified.