Effect of lithium oxide (Li2O) on the development of ceramic materials: a systematic review

The presented review aims to evaluate the effect of lithium compounds on the development of ceramic materials. Based on a systematic review methodology, 17 publications were selected from databases provided by Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), and Springer Link. The analysis of the selected articles is presented segmented into the following topics: bibliometric analysis and contextualization of the global scenario, evaluation of the lithium source used in each of the works, as well as the products and technological parameters evaluated (linear shrinkage and apparent density, water absorption and porosity, mechanical strength, thermal expansion, other properties, and microstructure). In general, authors attribute to lithium compounds a fluxing agent, being responsible for the formation of a vitrous phase due to the reduction of viscosity during heat treatment. Thus, products with lower porosity and water absorption are generated, parameters associated with higher density and mechanical strength. Further investigation is still needed on the influence of α and β-spodumene phases in a comparative manner, as well as more studies regarding the coefficient of thermal expansion.