Transitions between P2¹, P6³(√3A), and P6³22 modifications of SrAl²O4 by in situ high-temperature X-ray and neutron diffraction.

The results of in situ high-temperature X-ray and neutron powder diffraction experiments reconcile inconsistencies in previous reports on the symmetry of high-temperature phases of SrAl2O4. The material undergoes two reversible phase transitions P2(1) P6(3)(√3A) and P6(3)(√3A) P6(3)22 at similar to 680 and similar to 860°C, respectively, and the latter one is experimentally observed and characterized for the first time. The higher symmetry above the P6(3)(√3A) P6(3)22 transition is gained by disordering off-center split site of oxygen atoms around trigonal axis rather than by unbending Al-O-Al angle to the ideal value 180°C. The analysis of the literature suggests that it is a common feature of the P6(3)22 phases of stuffed tridymites. © 2007, Elsevier Ltd