Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
Highly oriented calcium metaphosphate glass-ceramics were obtained directly from the corresponding melt. On the interface between the Ca(PO3)2 melt and an Al2O3 rod, the nucleation could easily be induced. The dependence of the crystal growth rate on the crystallization temperature was determined. The crystal growth rates observed were up to 71 μm/s. The c axes of most crystals were oriented in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the Al2O3 rod as illustrated by scanning electron microscope and pole figures. The degree of crystal orientation increased with increasing crystallization temperature. At higher temperatures (e.g., at 892 °C), even single-crystal-like dendrites were formed.