Mullite whisker reinforced porous anorthite ceramics with low thermal conductivity and high strength

Mullite whisker reinforced porous anorthite ceramics have been fabricated by foam-gelcasting method. Effect of whisker content on thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of the prepared material has been studied. It is found that while thermal conductivity remains almost the same, compressive strength can be significantly improved by increasing whisker content. The results are discussed in terms of microstructures. It suggests that porous anorthite ceramics with both high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity can be achieved by reinforcing with mullite whiskers.