Ray, Debjyoti and Kandulna, Nelson and Maji , Adarsha (2025) Comparative Study on Phase Evolution and Densification of Corderite Ceramics Synthesized via Sol-Gel and Semi-Colloidal Routes. Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 102 (12). p. 102297. ISSN 0019-4522

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Cordierite ceramics are valued for their low thermal expansion, high thermal stability, and excellent thermal shock resistance. However, achieving full densification within their narrow sintering window remains a major challenge. This study comparatively investigates the phase evolution, densification, and thermo-mechanical properties of cordierite ceramics synthesized via semi-colloidal and sol–gel routes. In the semi-colloidal method, naturally occurring kaolinitic clay and precipitated silica were used with magnesium nitrate, while the sol–gel route employed magnesium and aluminium nitrates with colloidal silica to ensure nanoscale homogeneity. Thermal (TG-DSC) and spectroscopic (SEM) techniques were employed to analyse both the synthesized precursor powder. The microstructure and phase composition of the sintered compacts were analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE–SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while their density, porosity, mechanical strength, and thermal expansion were also evaluated. TG–DSC and XRD analyses revealed distinct crystallization mechanisms: μ-cordierite formed around 973 °C in the semi-colloidal route and transformed to α-cordierite (indialite) at 1115 °C, whereas the sol–gel route involved Mg–Al spinel formation prior to α-cordierite crystallization at 1142 °C. The sol–gel derived sample achieved a high bulk density of 2.41 g/cm3 (≈95.6 % relative density) and modulus of elasticity of 88 GPa, whereas the semi-colloidal sample exhibited lower density (2.13 g/cm3) but a significantly lower thermal expansion coefficient (2.19 × 10−6 °C−1), indicating better thermal shock resistance. This study establishes the semi-colloidal route as a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to sol–gel synthesis for producing thermally stable cordierite ceramics using cost-effective natural raw materials.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cordierite ceramic, Sol-gel, Semi-colloidal, Mechanical properties, Thermal expansion
Subjects:	Refractories
Divisions:	Refractory
Depositing User:	Ms Upasana Sahu
Date Deposited:	12 May 2026 17:01
Last Modified:	12 May 2026 17:01
URI:	https://cgcri.csircentral.net/id/eprint/5803

Actions (login required)

View Item