Microstructures of ZnAl sub(2)O sub(4) formation from coarse and dense Al sub(2)O sub(3) and granular ZnO in the presence of LiF

Microstructural observation was conducted to examine the effect of intentionally controlled inhomogeneity in starting mixtures on ZnAl sub(2)O sub(4) formation in the presence of LiF and to clarify how the intermediate phase containing LiF, ZnO and Al sub(2)O sub(3) affected the microstructure changes during the reaction. It was found that the formation of ZnAl sub(2)O sub(4) with LiF was controlled by dissolution of reactants and precipitation of product accompanied by materials transport through the intermediate liquid phase.