Characterization of Nanocrystalline Forsterite Fiber Synthesized via the Sol–Gel Process

Abstract

An alkoxide sol-gel route was developed to prepare forsterite fibers. Transparent precursor gel fibers were converted to the crystalline phase of forsterite by heating above 550°C. Fibers heated at 1100°C for 2 h showed a porous microstructure with nanocrystalline sizes of about 50 -100 nm. The structural evolution of fibrous gel was characterized. Effects of water and ethanol content on microstructures and strengths of fired fibers are also discussed. Some properties of the fired fibers were investigated.

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline forsterite coated poly(l-lactide-co-β-malic acid) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

“…Load displacement curves of (a) the prepared uncoated and (b) NF-coated PLMA scaffolds. the formed enstatite or amorphous silica reacts with periclase, and NF appeared as a single-phase [29,41,42]. The results indicated a complete reaction at 1100°C for the formation of single-phase NF.…”

“…Moreover, the bands related to the characteristic peaks of NF appeared around 1096, 1232 and 1512 cm − 1 for SiO 4 stretching and around 505 cm − 1 for modes of octahedral MgO 6 . The broad band centered around 3429 cm − 1 corresponds to the O\H band [29].…”

“…The resulting mixture was stirred for 4 h. The molar ratios of the Mg 2+ ions, sucrose and PVA monomer were 1:4:0.5. According to Tsai [29], the addition of nitrate acid causes the breaking of sucrose into glucose and fructose which prevents the re-crystallization of sucrose molecular structure. The \OH and \COOH groups of decomposed products promote binding of Mg 2+ ions in homogeneous solution.…”

Non-hydrolytic sol-gel processing of chloride precursors loaded at forsterite stoichiometry

“…The used processing procedure was similar to that reported in Refs. [5][6][7][8][9] in which albeit TEOS and magnesium methoxide (Mg(OCH3)2) were precursors. However, in the current work, other precursors (chlorides) as a sol-gel variable were tested.…”

“…Several approaches have been used to overcome this limitation, such as a slow addition of water, partial pre-hydrolysis of silicon alkoxides, and chemical modification by chelating agents [5]. Among them, ethanolic sol-gel processing of TEOS with magnesium methoxide, acetate or nitrate precursors using acetic acid as the chelating agent is known as a routine procedure for forsterite synthesis [5][6][7][8][9]. Nevertheless, the type of sol-gel precursors is a variable affecting the product characteristics.…”