Kinetics of thermally activated processes in cordierite-based ceramics

Thermally activated processes in cordierite-based ceramics were investigated to determine the effect of the mechanical activation and the addition of TeO2 on kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of these processes. Using a combination of dilatometry and DTA measurements in the 100–1400 °C temperature range, it was established that both the mechanical activation and the addition of TeO2 have a significant effect on processes in cordierite-based ceramics. A combination of 5 mass% addition of TeO2 and mechanical activation for 40 min reduced the sintering temperature of cordierite ceramics to around 1100 °C. In addition, the analysis of DTA measurements of mechanically activated samples indicates that the mechanical activation leads to intensification of the cordierite formation through an increase in concentration of surface defects and an increase in grain contact surface in the initial powder.