Electrical conductivity of the CaO-SiO2 system in the solid and the molten states

Electrical conductivity measurements of the alkaline earth silicate glass CaSiO3 were performed over a wide temperature range. These measurements showed the existence of an ionic mobility far below the glass transition temperature where the transport mechanism is thermally activated. Moreover, an original set-up based on the four electrode method allowed accurate measurements in the molten state (up to 1650 degreesC) and the conductivity is described by the phenomenological Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher (VTF) law. The VTF law suggests a cooperative nature in the transport mechanism where the deformation of the network enhances the movement of the divalent cations Ca2+. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.