Impurity phases in beryllium oxide ceramic

Abstract

An x-ray spectrographic method with an electron probe and a scanning electron microscope are used to study industrial ceramic specimen surface composition, distinguished by presence of a different color for both the main part, and impurity phases. BeO-ceramic specimens, having a visually differing color, are conditionally separated into three types. In reflected electron microphotographs impurities are distinguished qualitatively with respect to electrical conductivity. Iron impurity is invariably present within the composition of electrically conducting phases and inclusions. Apart from iron, all impurity phases contain carbon, aluminum, silicon, and calcium, and within individual phases there are admixtures of manganese, magnesium, chromium, potassium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, and chlorine, which may be introduced into BeO-ceramic during production and sintering in repeatedly used industrial furnaces from linings and residual atmosphere. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.