A study on preparation of cordierite gradient pores porous ceramics from rectorite

Rectorite is a kind of new clay raw materials. To study properties of the gradient pores porous ceramics on the basis of rectorite clay raw materials is of great significance. Gradient pores porous ceramics having cordierite crystalline phases were made from rectorite, talc and alpha-alumina by adjusting grade of particle and pore-forming agents at 1200 degrees C for 1 h. The physical/chemical properties and microstructures of products were tested. The results show that the samples exhibit relatively high strength, low coefficient of thermal expansion and well-distributed gradient pores due to the excellent properties of rectorite clay material (i.e., good binder, great plasticity index, low drying and firing shrinkage, high refractoriness and good thermal shock resistance, combination and distribution). (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.