Effect of sintering aids on the densification of andalusite ceramics

The ceramics with large bulk density and high bending strength were fabricated via semi-dry pressing and pressureless sintering in the air. Andalusite and calcined bauxite were used as the raw materials, sintering aids such as potassium feldspar, albite, talc, spodumene and borax were added to promote the densification and decrease the sintering temperature of the samples. The best physical properties were obtained on a sample of optimal composition (the addition of sintering aid was talc) sintered at 1500 degrees C for 3 h, i.e. a bending strength of 138.52 MPa and bulk density of 2.61g.cm(-3), the sintering temperature was lower than sample without addition of sintering aid.