Effect of Nickel Slag Wastes on the Properties of Cordierite Ceramics

Using nickel slag, magnesium oxide, alumina, and silica as raw materials, cordierite ceramics were prepared by a solid-state reaction method. The effects of nickel slag addition to that of the cordierite, in the range of 5-20 wt.%, on the sintering property as well as the mechanical, thermal expansion, and dielectric properties were evaluated. Results showed that the addition of 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% nickel slag could lower the sintering temperature to 1400 degrees C and 1350 degrees C, respectively. The optimum flexural strength of the samples was 56.58 MPa and 52.06 MPa when calcined at 1400 degrees C and 1350 degrees C, respectively. The thermal expansion coefficient of the samples increased with increasing nickel slag content, in the range of 2.47-3.05 x 10(-6)/degrees C. At 1400 degrees C, the optimum values of dielectric constant epsilon(r) = 5.38 and quality factor Q x f = 48,300 GHz were achieved for the cordierite with 10 wt.% nickel slag.