LOW-TEMPERATURE FABRICATION OF ANORTHITE CERAMICS

Fabrication of anorthite ceramics suitable for low-temperature, sinterable, multilayered substrates is described. Anorthite ceramics were synthesized from relatively pure kaolin and calcites of varying particle sizes. Mixed powders were uniaxially pressed and fired between 900-degrees and 1200-degrees-C. Firing at 1000-degrees-C yielded a dense anorthite ceramic when the finest calcite powder was used. The relative density and water absorption of the anorthite ceramic were 94% and almost zero, respectively. Mixtures containing coarser calcite had lower densities and higher water absorption.