Synthesis and characterization of cordierite and cordierite-zirconia by conventional approach

A wide recognition for cordierite ceramic due to its superior mechanical and electrical properties made cordierite a candidate for study. A simple approach of synthesis of cordierite and cordierite zirconia (5-15 wt %) was tried at the stoichiometric composition with standard raw material of high purity. The binder, lubricant and flux such as polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene glycol and sodium hydroxide respectively were added with 1 wt%. The powders were mixed, wet milled, dried at 100°C for 12 h, compacted and sintered at different temperatures between 600-1400°C for 3 h. The studies on XRD, FTIR and TG/DTA were carried out and the results from the studies confirmed the presence of cordierite phase alone for pure cordierite and cordierite along with zircon for cordierite-zirconia compositions.