Mechanochemical activation of kaolin, pyrophyllite, and talcum and its effect on the synthesis of cordierite and properties of cordierite ceramics

The paper examines the mechanochemical activation of starting minerals (kaolin, pyrophyllite, and talcum) and their effect on the solid-phase synthesis and properties of cordierite. Binary oxide compounds (spinel, mullite, enstatite, forsterite) are synthesized. It is established that binary compounds and crystalline silica should be minimized to decrease the synthesis temperature of cordierite. Processes for synthesis and production of cordierite ceramics with lower thermal expansion coefficient ((1.0–1.2) ⋅ 10 –6 °C –1 ) are developed.