Synthesis of Leucite from Potash Feldspar

Leucite particles were synthesized from feldspar mixed with 0%to 52%potassium nitrate fired from 800℃to 1200℃by solid state method.The X-ray Diffraction(XRD)patterns show that in the temperature range from 800℃to 1200℃,the leucite can be removed as the single crystalline phase.Kalsilite may be crystallized with leucite at 800℃,but can be eliminated after prolonged heating.The scanning electron Microscopy(SEM) images clearly display the that crystals of micrometer scale leucite,and the leucite crystals distribute evenly in the matrix.The Thermal expansion coefficient(TEC)of the samples fabricated is as high as 20.52× 10-6℃-1 measured from 20℃to 500℃.The mechanism oftransformation from feldspar to leucite was proposed.