P-Spodumene glass-ceramic compositions were melted and studied. Compositional variations were made in the three major components as well as through minor additions of other oxides. Sintering characteristics and microstructures were studied and values for crystallization temperature, melting temperature, and crystallized thermal expansion coefficient were recorded. It was found that sinterable P-spodumene glass-ceramics could be made with a wide range of properties. Selection of an appropriate composition would be based on desired properties. [

ChemInform Abstract The possibility to sinter β-spodumene to near-theoretical density is studied as well as the influence of compositional changes such as variations of the Li2O, Al2O3, and SiO2 contents and additions of other oxides (e.g. Na2O, B2O3, P2O5, MgO, BaO) on the properties of the glass ceramic. Samples with densities > 90% are obtained by addition of P2O5 and B2O3 or by decreasing the Li2O content. The effect of changes in the Li2O content is more pronounced than that resulting from variations of the Al2O3 and SiO2 content. The oxide additions result in a decrease in the crystallization and melting temperature. The presence of Na2O is found to increase the thermal expansion coefficient. It is concluded that sinterable β-spodumene glass-ceramics can be prepared with a wide range of properties by proper selection of the composition.