Synthesis of cordierite powder from talc, diatomite and alumina

A cordierite powder was synthesized from a batch composition of talc, diatomite and alumina. Sintered samples of the synthesized cordierite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and Rietveld analysis. The XRD analysis showed hexagonal or α-cordierite (indialite) as a major phase along with MgAl2O4 spinel and cristobalite as secondary phases in the samples sintered at 1300 °C for 1 h, whereas indialite phase only was observed at 1350 °C for 3 and 5 h as well as at 1400 °C for 1 h. Density and linear thermal expansion coefficient of the sample synthesized at 1400 °C for 1 h were 2.47 g cm−3 and 1.8 × 10−6 °C−1, respectively.