Thermoluminescence and defect study of MgSiO3 ceramics

Enstatite (MgSiO3) ceramic powders were synthesised by a low-temperature initiated self-propagating, gas-producing solution combustion process. The prepared powders were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmer–Teller specific surface area measurements. Defect centres induced by radiation were studied using the techniques of thermoluminescence (TL) and electron spin resonance (ESR). A well-resolved glow with peak at 178°C and a shouldered peak at 120°C were observed. Two defect centres were identified by ESR measurements, which were carried out at room temperature, and these were assigned to an O− ion and F+ centre. The O− ion (hole centre) appears to correlate with the main TL peak at 178°C.