Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Vol.88, No.5, 1297-1301, 2005
Sintering additives to eliminate interphases in cordierite ceramics
Effects of the sintering additives CeO2 and K2O on eliminating interphases of cristobalite and spinel were studied by means of XRD, SEM/energy-dispersive spectrometer, and TMA techniques to obtain high cordierite contents. Adding 4 wt% CeO2 significantly stimulates the conversion of cristobalite to cordierite, depresses spinel formation and yields less glassy phase. It is helpful to prepare a ceramic with a high content of cordierite and a low thermal expansion coefficient when sintered at 1400° C for 3 h. Addition of 1-2 wt% K2O results in a large amount of glassy phase and is less effective in eliminating the interphases.