Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2011
In the last few years we have succeeded in developing three separate groups of near-zero-expansion ceramics. These are based on: (1) Modification by crystalline solution of GeO2 for SiO2 in the well-known cordierite phase. (2) Discovery of a new structural family known as [NZP] or [CTP], many members of which have near-zero values of a and very extensive crystalline solution possibilities permitting continuous control of α. (3) Di- (or multi) pfiasic composites of phases, one with negative and one with positive a to give a net-zero-α ceramic material.