Synthesis of <alpha>-cordierite nanoparticles from bentonite using thermal shock assisted solid-state reaction method

For the first time, we believe, nanosized < alpha >-cordierite glass-ceramics are produced using bentonite, talc, alumina, and kaolin as the raw materials and applying thermal shock to the precursor powders and sintered at 1100, 1200, and 1300 degrees C. A combination of a furnace at about 800 degrees C and liquid nitrogen was used for the applied thermal shock with a total temperature difference of about 1000 degrees C. The effects of thermal shock process and sintering temperature on < alpha >-cordierite formation and microstructure have been investigated. The results show that < alpha >-cordierite was formed above 1160 degrees C and its weight ratio increased continuously as sintered temperature increased to 1300 degrees C. By increasing the temperature, < alpha >-cordierite nanoparticles grain sizes and the intensity of FTIR peaks started to increase. Applying thermal shock to precursor powders reduced the grain size of each consisting mineral and resulted in nanosized < alpha >-cordierite powder. (C) 2017 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.