Microwave-assisted synthesis and sintering of mullite

Mullitization behaviour of a Mixture of clay and alumina as the starting materials was examined by microwave heating of (a) mixed powder and (b) compacted powder samples for different soaking times. X-ray diffraction results showed that in compacted samples mullitization process was completed after 20 min heating with a density of about 87%. Densification and microstructure of samples with different green densities heated in a microwave oven and conventional electric furnace were compared. Results showed that the grain growth of mullite was restricted by microwave heating. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.