Synthesis and Characterization of Forsterite (Mg2SiO4) Ceramics from Magnesium Oxide (MgO) and Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) Nanopowder

Abstract

The synthesis of high-purity forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) is challenging due to the slow reaction of the precursor materials involved and the potential formation of other phases, such as enstatite (MgSiO₃) and periclase (MgO). Although various methods have been approaches to overcome these challenges, the solid-state reaction method using nanopowders remains insufficiently unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of synthesizing pure forsterite through reacting MgO and SiO₂ nanopowders. The phases identification and grain size of the raw materials were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Forsterite was synthesized via a solid-state reaction and characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), XRD, and dilatometry (DL). Furthermore, the influence of excess silica on forsterite properties was investigated by preparing a series of powder mixtures with different ratios of silica processed through a planetary ball mill. The formation of forsterite and the effect of the silica on phases transformation were examined using XRD and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). To determine the reaction mechanism, DTA experiments were conducted at different heating rates to determine the kinetic parameters, reaction model, crystallization mechanisms, and thermodynamic parameters associated with the forsterite and enstatite formation. Additionally, the effect of forsterite as an additive on hydroxyapatite crystallization, bulk density, open porosity, microhardness, microstructure, and antibacterial activity was studied.