Sintering of monoclinic SrAl₂Si₂O₈ ceramics and their Sr immobilization

Monoclinic SrAl₂Si₂O₈ ceramics for Sr immobilization were prepared by a liquid-phase sintering method. The sintering temperature, mineral phase composition, microstructure, flexural strength, bulk density, and Sr ion leaching characteristics of the SrAl₂Si₂O₈ ceramics were investigated. A crystalline monoclinic SrAl₂Si₂O₈ phase formed through liquid-phase sintering at 1223 K. The introduction of four flux agents (B₂O₃, CaO·2B₂O₃, SrO·2B₂O₃, and BaO·2B₂O₃) to the SrAl₂Si₂O₈ ceramics not only reduced the densification temperature and decreased the volatilization of Sr during high-temperature sintering but also impacted the mechanical properties of the ceramics. Product consistency tests showed that the leaching concentration of Sr ions in the sample with flux agent B₂O₃ was the lowest, whereas that of Sr ions in the sample with flux agent BaO·2B₂O₃ was the highest. These results show that the leaching concentration of Sr ions depends largely on the amorphous phase in the ceramics. Meanwhile, the formation of mineral analog ceramics containing Sr is an important factor to improve Sr immobilization.