In the present study, phase pure forsterite was obtained in sintered bodies from powder mixtures that did not undergo a heat treatment process prior to sintering. This is contrary to the practice reported in the literature where the powder mixture is normally subjected to a heat treatment at about 1200 οC prior to sintering process. The present results revealed that pure forsterite could be obtained after sintering the powder mixture above 1300 οC. The study found that the mechanical properties of forsterite increased with increasing sintering temperature. A maximum Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of 7.68 GPa and 5.16 MPam1/2 were measured for samples sintered at 1500 οC.

Keywords: Forsterite, Heat treatment, Densification, Ceramics.