The difference between microcrystalline glass ceramics and microcrystalline glass

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Microcrystalline glass and microcrystalline glass ceramics are often mentioned in materials science, but their definitions and categories have certain intersections and differences.
-Microcrystalline glass: Microcrystalline glass is a special type of glass material that contains a large number of tiny crystals (microcrystals) inside, typically ranging in size from 0.1 to 0.5 micrometers. It is a multiphase composite material formed by heat treating the base glass under specific conditions to precipitate microcrystals inside the glass. Microcrystalline glass combines some of the characteristics of glass and ceramics, with both the transparency of glass and the high strength and hardness of ceramics.
-Microcrystalline glass ceramic: Microcrystalline glass ceramic is a special form of microcrystalline glass, also known as glass ceramic. It is a composite material composed of glass phase and crystalline phase, which has the processing properties of glass and the high-temperature properties of ceramics. The preparation process of microcrystalline glass ceramics is similar to that of microcrystalline glass, but differs in composition and process, usually with higher crystal content and superior mechanical properties.

Composition and microstructure
-Microcrystalline glass: The main components of microcrystalline glass include silicates, borates, phosphates, etc. By controlling the crystallization process, a composite structure of microcrystalline phase and residual glass phase is formed inside the glass. In its microstructure, the microcrystalline phase is uniformly distributed in the glass matrix, forming a multiphase composite material.
-Microcrystalline glass ceramics: The composition of microcrystalline glass ceramics is more complex, and in addition to common silicates, alumina, zirconia, etc., it may also contain other additives to improve performance. In its microstructure, the ratio of crystal phase to glass phase can be adjusted as needed, and the proportion of crystal phase is usually higher, thereby endowing the material with higher strength and hardness.

Performance characteristics
-Microcrystalline glass:
-Low coefficient of thermal expansion: The coefficient of thermal expansion of microcrystalline glass can be adjusted over a wide range, and even zero expansion materials can be produced.
-High mechanical strength: It has high mechanical strength and hardness, and good wear resistance.
-Excellent optical performance: high transparency, suitable for the optical field.
-Microcrystalline glass ceramics:
-High strength and hardness: The mechanical strength and hardness of microcrystalline glass ceramics are usually higher than those of microcrystalline glass.
-Good heat shock resistance: It has good heat shock resistance and can maintain stability in high and low temperature environments.
-High chemical stability: It has good resistance to acid and alkali corrosion.

Application area
-Microcrystalline glass:
-Optical field: used for manufacturing optical components such as lenses and prisms.
-Electronic field: Packaging and insulation materials used for electronic components.
-In the field of architecture, it is used to manufacture high-strength and corrosion-resistant building materials.
-Microcrystalline glass ceramics:
-Mechanical manufacturing: used for manufacturing mechanical components in high-temperature environments.
-Aerospace: Used as a structural material for aircraft, rockets, etc.
-Electronics and Microelectronics: Used for manufacturing electronic components such as circuit boards and charge storage tubes.

Although microcrystalline glass and microcrystalline glass ceramics have similarities in composition and structure, they each have their own emphasis on performance and applications. Microcrystalline glass places greater emphasis on optical properties and low thermal expansion coefficient, making it suitable for the fields of optics and electronics; Microcrystalline glass ceramics emphasize high strength, high hardness, and heat shock resistance, and are widely used in fields such as machinery, aerospace, and electronics.

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