Microwave-assisted preparation and sintering of mullite and mullite–zirconia composites from metal organics

Decomposition characteristics of a mixture of aluminum-tri-sec butoxide (ASB) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in ethyl acetate solution by microwave pyrolysis was examined. The decomposed product was used as a second-stage precursor in the preparation of pure mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2). Mullite–zirconia composites were obtained, using the aLtd mixture along with zirconium-iso-propoxide as starting materials. Pellets of mullite and mullite–zirconia composites were sintered in a microwave oven using β-SiC as a secondary heater.