Microscopic and X‐ray Investigation of Some Steatite Bodies*

Abstract

Microscopic, and X‐ray examinations of a series of steatite compositions reveal that the body having the best dielectric properties Also has the simplest and most homogeneous physical structure. It is believed that the attainment of similar physical structures in other ceramic bodies will lead to improvements in dielectric properties. This empirical finding is in accordance with present theories of conduction in crystals. It depends on the contribution to conductivity and dielectric loss made by imperfections of crystal structure. However, even in homogeneous materials, alkaline earth ions tend to cause less conduction under like conditions than alkali ions, and there are high‐dielectric constant materials like the titanates which, though homogeneous and pure, have a high loss.

Light Microscopy.

“…Microhardness testing in metal lurgy (30, ISO), a new microindenter for use with a metallurgical microscope (43), and a simple and accurate microhardness testing device (24) are applications in the metallurgical field. Among technical applications may be mentioned the microscopical and x-ray examination of some steatite bodies (115), and the microscopy of high temperature phenomenon in ceramics (19).…”

“…Applied Phys., 18, 522-9 (1947). (115) Mateosian, E. der, Iron Age, 159, 51-3 (1947). (116) Matolsky, A. G., Nature, 161, 353 (1948).…”

Microstructure and phase composition of steatite ceramics sintered by traditional and spark plasma sintering

“…protoenstatite) and 30 % of glassy phase [15]. The development of microstructure and sintering behavior of steatite thereby depend on the ratio of formed crystalline and liquid phases [16][17][18]. The steatite's dielectric properties are strongly dependent on the temperature range and/or cycling (i.e.…”

“…Even though steatite is a valuable dielectric material, very few studies researched its sintering related properties [14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. This investigation provides insight into sintering behavior of steatites based of natural raw materials, i.e.…”