Preparation and crystallization of sol-gel C12A7 thin films

The binary compound 12CaO center dot 7Al(2)O(3) (C12A7) in the CaO-Al2O3 system was synthesized as a thin film via the sol-gel drop casting method on MgO < 1 0 0 > single crystal substrates. The resulting films were subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures ranging from 700 to 1200 degrees C and then comprehensive surface morphology, structural and elemental studies were carried out. Initial signs of the crystallization of the C12A7 thin film was observed at 800 degrees C and the complete crystallization was achieved on heat treatment at 1100 degrees C for 3 h.