Influence of sintering temperature on the microstructural and mechanical properties of cordierite synthesized from andalusite and talc

Cordierite-based ceramic has been synthesized by solid state process from andalusite and talc mixture sintered at 1300 and 1350 °C for 2 h. The phase, microstructural and thermal characterizations of the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), dilatometric and thermal analysis (TG/DTA). Brazilian and three-point bending tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties. XRD results showed a significant improvement in the cordierite formation at 1350 °C, whereas the sintering at 1300 °C was insufficient. The SEM observation showed that the sample sintered at 1350 °C was relatively dense. As a result of this densification, the flexural and tensile strengths at 1300 °C (15.4±1.2 and 12.2±1.9 MPa, respectively) were significantly enhanced with increasing temperature to 1350 °C (32±4.2 and 18.3±3.6 MPa, respectively).