Production Technology of Cordierite Ceramics

Cordierite ceramics can be produced using various methods such as solid-state reaction, aqueous tape casting process, and high-temperature sintering.

The aqueous tape casting process involves using polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and polyethyleneglicol (PEG) as binder and plasticizer, respectively. Before starting to tape-casting studies, an optimum amount of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) was used by sedimentation method for dispersing the powders.

The solid-state reaction is the most common method used for production of cordierite at high temperature from starting materials that include MgO, Al2O3, and SiO2 according to the stoichiometric composition of cordierite. Cordierite-based glass-ceramics have also been synthesized from gold tailings.

Cordierite ceramics have some deficiencies in performance. One disadvantage is that cordierite ceramics are brittle and can break easily. Another disadvantage is that cordierite ceramics are difficult to machine because they are very hard.

However, there are many studies that aim to improve the properties of cordierite ceramics by adding different materials or changing the production process.