Synthesis of a powder precursor in the form of hydroxyhydrogel for reaction sintering of BN–mullite composite

A powder precursor in the form of hydroxyhydrogel was prepared for the reaction sintering in the h-BN–mullite composite system. The powder precursor contains all the essential elements for the formation of the composite. Characterization of the powder precursor indicated the presence of Al3+ in predominantly hexacoordinated state. The powder precursor yielded consolidated BN–mullite composite formed during heat treatment of pressed compact in ambient gas atmosphere.