In situ synthesis and thermal shock resistance of mullite used for thermal storage ceramics in solar thermal power generation

Mullite ceramic, as one of high performance thermal storage ceramics for solar thermal power generation systems, was in situ fabricated via semidry pressing and pressureless sintering in the air. Andalusite (57-68 wt-%) and calcined bauxite (24-29 wt-%) were used as the raw materials, with kaolin and a tiny of boric acid being added to promote the densification and improve the mechanical properties. The best physical properties and thermal shock resistance were obtained on an optimum A3 sample sintered at 1600 degrees C for 3 h, i.e. a bending strength of 120.44 MPa and 30 cycles thermal shock cycling without cracking (wind cooling from 1000 degrees C to room temperature) with a loss of bending strength of 8.7%.