Pressure induced structural transformations in Jadeite glass

The glass-ceramic processing route, by which controlled crystallisation occurs in a glass matrix, provides the preparation pathway for a host of moldable fracture-resistant materials. Here, jadeite (NaAlSi2O6) provides exceptional fracture toughness and offers the possibility of manufacturing glass-ceramic materials with exceptional resistance to crack propagation via high pressure and temperature processing. We propose to investigate the structure of jadeite glass by in-situ high-pressure neutron diffraction to provide benchmark results for the structural transformations that occur. Knowledge of these transformations is essential for predicting the conditions under which the local coordination environment of Al matches that of the crystal, thus facilitating the desired crystal growth. The results will elucidate the mechanisms of densification where oxygen triclusters will play an important role. Hence, the experiment will provide key information for guiding in the development of the glass-ceramic route to ultra-high-toughness materials.