Preparation of Cordierite Ceramic from Iraqi Raw Materials

In this study cordierite has been synthesized by solid state process at temperature range of 1050-1400 oC from Iraqi raw materials (kaolin clay and magnesite). The products are investigated using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope techniques. The thermal properties and unit cell parameters of the prepared cordierite have been evaluated. The results revealed that thermal expansion coefficient of cordierite are more compatible with results obtained from natural cordierite. The prepared cordierite have positive expansion for ao-axis (ao-axis is increased with increasing sintering temperatures) and negative expansion for co-axis (co-axis is decreased with increasing sintering temperatures).