Abstract
The neutron scattering structure factor SN(Q) for a 40 mg drop of molten alumina ( Al2O3) held at 2500 K, using a laser-heated aerodynamic levitation furnace, is measured for the first time. A 1700 atom model of liquid alumina is generated from these data using the technique of empirical potential structural refinement. About 62% of the aluminum sites are 4-fold coordinated, matching the mostly triply coordinated oxygen sites, but some 24% of the aluminum sites are 5-fold coordinated. The octahedral aluminum sites found in crystalline α-Al2O3 occur only at the 2% level in liquid alumina.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 4839-4842 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 86 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |