Effect of processing route for preparation of mullite from kaolinite and alumina

Abstract

In current work, two different types of mullite ceramic powder were prepared using kaolinite and alumina by solid state and chemical precipitation route. The phases, bond types and microstructural evolution of the mullite powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction, infrared analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy to study the mullitisation behavior. The solid state method evident a pure mullite phase formation at 1550 °C. In case of chemical precipitation route small amount of alumina peak was noticed along with major phase of mullite which was also clearly apprehended from FESEM micrographs and IR spectra. Densification was more for the samples prepared by solid state process which may be correlated to the delayed mullitization process in chemical precipitation route.