Synthesis Cordierite Materials Starting from Algerian Kaolin

Abstract

The objective of this work is to study the synthesis of the cordieritephase from Algerian kaolin known as DD kaolin. To do this, the kaolin iswashed and sieved to prepare a particle size fraction <20l, rich in clay particles,and precipitated magnesium hydroxide is prepared to give magnesium andfinally silica fume is added to the mixtures experimental, tofill the silica deficit.The weighing of the materials is carried out in such a way as to producemixtures close to the ideal phase of the cordierite (2MgO.2Al2O3.5SiO2). Themixing is carried out in a large quantity of water with a metal stirrer at highspeed. The mixture is heated during stirring until the sludge is obtained. Thefinal drying is continued in an oven, the coarse powder obtained isfinely groundin a porcelain mortar.The results of investigations carried out by simultaneous thermal analysis(ATD-TG) show afirst exothermic peak at 945 °C. which is attributed tol-cordierite, a second exothermic peak at 1200 °C. which indicates the crystal-lization ofl-cordierite in Indialite, andfinally an endothermic peak above1400 °C which indicates the fusion of the indialite.The results of investigations of the X-ray diffraction analysis on the calcinedpowders at high temperature, shows that only the Indialite phase is present from1300 °C.