The development of glass-ceramics presents an innovative approach to material science, leveraging the unique properties of non-crystalline glass combined with controlled crystallization. This study investigates the crystallization dynamics of economical glass-ceramic compositions derived from raw materials, such as blast furnace slag and granite rock. We explore the fabrication processes, examining the influence of these raw materials on microstructural interlocking and phase composition. Our findings reveal that specific ratios of slag and granite not only enhance the mechanical properties but also contribute to the chemical durability of the resulting glass-ceramics. Advanced techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), were employed to analyze the microstructures and crystallization behavior at varying thermal treatments. The results indicate the formation of distinct crystal phases, which are pivotal for optimizing performance in applications ranging from construction materials to optoelectronics. Additionally, the integration of LiF as a nucleation catalyst significantly improved the crystallization efficiency, leading to a fine-grained, interlocked microstructure. This research underscores the potential of utilizing industrial byproducts in glass-ceramic production, thereby promoting sustainability in material development while offering innovative solutions for high-performance applications. Our insights contribute to the broader understanding of glass science and pave the way for future advancements in glass-ceramic technology.

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1. Shang W, Peng Z, Huang Y, Gu F, Zhang J, Tang H, et al. Production of glass-ceramics from metallurgical slags. J Clean Prod. 2021;317(5):128220. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128220.
2. Deubener J, Allix M, Davis M, Duran A, Höche T, Honma T, et al. Updated definition of glass-ceramics. J Non-Cryst Solids. 2018;501:3–10. doi: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2018.01.033. doi: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2018.01.033
3. Veer F, Bristogianni T, de Lima CJ. An overview of some recent developments in glass science and their relevance to quality control in the glass industry. HERON; 2018;63(½):15–30.
4. Karasu B, Bereket O, Biryan E, Sanoğlu D. The latest developments in glass science and technology. El-Cezeri J Sci Eng. 2017;4(2):209–233. doi: 10.31202/ecjse.318204.
5. Salman SM, Darwish H. Development of low cost glass-ceramic based on blast furnace slag and granite rock. Ceramics – Silikáty. 2006;50(2):88–97.
6. Deubener J, Allix M, Davis MJ, Duran A, Höche T, Honma T, et al Updated definition of glass-ceramics. J Non-Cryst Solids 2018;501:3–10.
7. Ballato J, Ebendorff-Heidepriem H, Zhao J, Petit L, Johann Troles J. Glass and process development for the next generation of optical fibers: A review. Fibers. 2011;5(1):11. doi: 3390/fib5010011.
8. Reshma T, Kumar PC, Tanu H, Bharath A. Evaluation of strength, durability, and microstructure characteristics of slag-sand-induced concrete. Clean Mater. 2023;10:100212. doi: 10.1016/j.clema.2023.100212.
9. Namsheer K, Rout CS. Conducting polymers: A comprehensive review on recent advances in synthesis, properties and applications. RSC Adv. 2021;11:5659–5697. doi: 10.1039/D0RA07800J.
10. Coe S, Woo W-K, Bawendi M, Bulović V. Electroluminescence from single monolayers of nanocrystals in molecular organic devices. Nature. 2002;420:800–803. doi: 1038/nature01217.
11. Huang Q, Pan B, Wang Z. Organic electronics in flexible devices: Engineering strategy, synthesis, and application. Highlights Sci Eng Technol. 2024;96:251–260. doi: 10.54097/27rxb764.
12. Haque FM, Grayson SM. The synthesis, properties and potential applications of cyclic polymers. Nat Chem. 2020;12(5):433–444. doi: 10.1038/s41557-020-0440-5.
13. Xu Y, Jin S, Xu H, Nagai A, Jiang D. Conjugated microporous polymers: Design, synthesis and application. Chem Soc Rev. 2013;42:8012–8031. doi: 10.1039/C3CS60160A.
14. Buga CS, Viana JC. A review on materials and technologies for organic large-area electronics. Adv Mater Technol. 2021;6:2001016. doi: 10.1002/admt.202001016.

The development of glass-ceramics presents an innovative approach to material science, leveraging the unique properties of non-crystalline glass combined with controlled crystallization. This study investigates the crystallization dynamics of economical glass-ceramic compositions derived from raw materials, such as blast furnace slag and granite rock. We explore the fabrication processes, examining the influence of these raw materials on microstructural interlocking and phase composition. Our findings reveal that specific ratios of slag and granite not only enhance the mechanical properties but also contribute to the chemical durability of the resulting glass-ceramics. Advanced techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), were employed to analyze the microstructures and crystallization behavior at varying thermal treatments. The results indicate the formation of distinct crystal phases, which are pivotal for optimizing performance in applications ranging from construction materials to optoelectronics. Additionally, the integration of LiF as a nucleation catalyst significantly improved the crystallization efficiency, leading to a fine-grained, interlocked microstructure. This research underscores the potential of utilizing industrial byproducts in glass-ceramic production, thereby promoting sustainability in material development while offering innovative solutions for high-performance applications. Our insights contribute to the broader understanding of glass science and pave the way for future advancements in glass-ceramic technology.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Shang W, Peng Z, Huang Y, Gu F, Zhang J, Tang H, et al. Production of glass-ceramics from metallurgical slags. J Clean Prod. 2021;317(5):128220. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128220.
2. Deubener J, Allix M, Davis M, Duran A, Höche T, Honma T, et al. Updated definition of glass-ceramics. J Non-Cryst Solids. 2018;501:3–10. doi: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2018.01.033. doi: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2018.01.033
3. Veer F, Bristogianni T, de Lima CJ. An overview of some recent developments in glass science and their relevance to quality control in the glass industry. HERON; 2018;63(½):15–30.
4. Karasu B, Bereket O, Biryan E, Sanoğlu D. The latest developments in glass science and technology. El-Cezeri J Sci Eng. 2017;4(2):209–233. doi: 10.31202/ecjse.318204.
5. Salman SM, Darwish H. Development of low cost glass-ceramic based on blast furnace slag and granite rock. Ceramics – Silikáty. 2006;50(2):88–97.
6. Deubener J, Allix M, Davis MJ, Duran A, Höche T, Honma T, et al Updated definition of glass-ceramics. J Non-Cryst Solids 2018;501:3–10.
7. Ballato J, Ebendorff-Heidepriem H, Zhao J, Petit L, Johann Troles J. Glass and process development for the next generation of optical fibers: A review. Fibers. 2011;5(1):11. doi: 3390/fib5010011.
8. Reshma T, Kumar PC, Tanu H, Bharath A. Evaluation of strength, durability, and microstructure characteristics of slag-sand-induced concrete. Clean Mater. 2023;10:100212. doi: 10.1016/j.clema.2023.100212.
9. Namsheer K, Rout CS. Conducting polymers: A comprehensive review on recent advances in synthesis, properties and applications. RSC Adv. 2021;11:5659–5697. doi: 10.1039/D0RA07800J.
10. Coe S, Woo W-K, Bawendi M, Bulović V. Electroluminescence from single monolayers of nanocrystals in molecular organic devices. Nature. 2002;420:800–803. doi: 1038/nature01217.
11. Huang Q, Pan B, Wang Z. Organic electronics in flexible devices: Engineering strategy, synthesis, and application. Highlights Sci Eng Technol. 2024;96:251–260. doi: 10.54097/27rxb764.
12. Haque FM, Grayson SM. The synthesis, properties and potential applications of cyclic polymers. Nat Chem. 2020;12(5):433–444. doi: 10.1038/s41557-020-0440-5.
13. Xu Y, Jin S, Xu H, Nagai A, Jiang D. Conjugated microporous polymers: Design, synthesis and application. Chem Soc Rev. 2013;42:8012–8031. doi: 10.1039/C3CS60160A.
14. Buga CS, Viana JC. A review on materials and technologies for organic large-area electronics. Adv Mater Technol. 2021;6:2001016. doi: 10.1002/admt.202001016.