The mechanical properties of siliceous ZSM-5 (MFI) crystals

✍ Scribed by Zhongmin Wang; Raul F Lobo; John Lambros

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 546 KB
• Volume: 57
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1387-1811
• DOI: 10.1016/s1387-1811(02)00531-0

✦ Synopsis

The micromechanical compressive response of siliceous ZSM-5 single-crystals (silicalite) has been measured using an in-house-built micromechanical tester. Single-crystals ($300 lm) were prepared using the method of Shimizu and Hamada [Angew. Chemie Int. Ed. 38 (1999) 2725]. High-quality crystals with no evident microcracks and which were optically transparent were subjected to measurements using single, cyclic and two-directional compression tests. ZSM-5 crystals are highly brittle and prone to microcracking. An average YoungÕs modulus of $4 GPa was measured. No difference in YoungÕs modulus between as-synthesized and calcined crystals is detected and little mechanical anisotropy is observed. The cyclic tests reveal gradual stiffness deterioration through a microcracking process.