Sintering of cordierite in the presence of MoO3 and crystallization analysis

Cordierite (MAS) is difficult to sinter because of the very narrow sintering temperature range (1300-1400ºC). Because a low temperature process is desirable, it is necessary to find functional ads which can allow easier sintering process at lower temperature. The influence of MoO3 on the preparation process of cordierite ceramics was investigated. 2MgO-2Al2O3-5SiO2 was researched by sintering followed binary systems: MgO/MoO3, Al2O3/MoO3 and SiO2/MoO3 (all sintered at 850ºC and 1100ºC, sintering time 2h). Composition of these systems was 80 mass% of oxide and 20 mass% MoO3. The effects of sintering, the composition and morphology were followed by X-ray diffraction and SEM microscopy. It has been found that MoO3, beside liquid phase, forms intermediary unstable compounds with MgO and Al2O3, which is the significance information for further research. MAS ceramics were sintered with 20 mass% MoO3 at 1100ºC, 1200ºC and 1300ºC, during 2h. © 2014 Science of Sintering