New possibilities of application of cordierite ceramics

Abstract

Cordierite ceramics have an important role in modem technology. Standard raw materials, kaolinite, tale, magnesia, alumina were used in synthesis of cordierite ceramics. Composition of cordierite ceramics is 2MgO-2Al 2O 3-5SiO 2. Synthesized cordierite was used as a refractory filler in the ceramic layer for evaporative polystyrene patterns in the new casting technology, Lost Foam Process. Cordierite characterization was carried out by X-ray structure analysis. Powder particles morphology was analysed by the scanning electronic microscope. The characteristic temperatures for carrying out solid state reactions in the three-component system of MgO-Al 2O 3-SiO 2 were determined differentially by thermal analysis in the range from ambient temperature to 1100°C. Obtained ceramic coatings were applied to polystyrene pattern of 20 kg/m 3 density, polystyrene grain size of 1.5 mm, followed by "full mould" casting. For the purpose of realistic evaluation of possible cordierite application in the production of evaporative pattern ceramic coatings, concurrent analyses with talc based lining were carried out. Cordierite has wide application in electrothermics, electronics and engineering industry, however, it has not been used in casting yet.