Forsterite powders with controllable morphology were synthesized using oxides as raw materials in NaCl-KCl molten salt media. The effects of MgO/SiO 2 ratio, calcining temperature, and salt/oxide ratio on the phase composition and morphology of the powders are investigated. The results indicate that single-phase forsterite powders can be synthesized from a mixture of MgO and SiO 2 with a MgO/ SiO 2 molar ratio of 2:1.3 at 700°C. With the increase of calcining temperature, the powders obtained changes from an irregular to a columnar morphology. In addition, the morphology of the forsterite powders produced can also be controlled by altering the salt/oxide ratio.
K E Y W O R D Smorphology, powders, silicates, synthesis