Abstract
The sintering behavior of zircon with silica was investigated. Zircon with 5 vol% of sedimentation $SiO_2$ resulted in the apparent density of $4.45\;g/cm^3$, the diametral tensile strength of $12.125\;kgf/cm^2$, and the micro Vickers hardness of 1283 HV. The dissociation temperature and mechanical characteristics of the $ZrSiO_4$ were changed with different kinds of $SiO_2$. $SiO_2$ addition prevented dissociation of $ZrSiO_4$. Zircon with 5 vol% of sedimentation $SiO_2$ and with 5 vol% of fused $SiO_2$ resulted in increased diametral tensile strength and increased micro Vickers hardness by suppression of $ZrSiO_4$ dissociation and low temperature liquid $SiO_2$ formation. Zircon with fumed $SiO_2$ and quartz $SiO_2$ resulted in decreased diametral tensile strength and decreased micro Vickers hardness because of cristobalite and quartz phase formation and high temperature liquid $SiO_2$ formation. Zircon with 10 vol% of $SiO_2$ resulted in decreased diametral tensile strength and decreased micro Vickers hardness because of weak particle coupling due to excess formation of liquid $SiO_2$.