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 and electron spin resonance. A well-resolved glow with peak at 178C and a shouldered peak at 120C were observed. Two defect centres were identified by electron spin resonance measurements, which were carried out at room temperature, and these were assigned to an O- ion and F+ centre. The O- ion (hole centre) appeared to correlate with the main thermoluminescence peak at 178C.

Thermoluminescence and Defect Study of MgSiO3 Ceramics. H.Nagabhushana, B.M.Nagabhushana, B.Umesh, H.B.Premkumar, N.Anil, T.K.Gundu Rao, R.P.S.Chakradhar: Philosophical Magazine, 2010, 90[12], 1567-74