Characteristics and Applications of Cordierite Ceramics

Cordierite Ceramics is a silicate ceramic mainly composed of 2MgO·2Al₂O₃·5SiO₂. With ultra-low thermal expansion, excellent thermal shock resistance, and high temperature resistance, it has become a key material in the fields of kiln furniture, automotive exhaust treatment, and electronic packaging.

1. What is cordierite ceramic?

Cordierite ceramic is a special ceramic made by sintering a mixture of kaolin, talc, and alumina (1250-1400 ℃). Its core characteristics include:

✔  Ultra low thermal expansion coefficient (1.5-2.5 × 10 ⁻⁶/° C, 20-1000 ℃)

✔  Excellent thermal shock resistance (Δ T>800 ℃ without rupture)

✔  Controllable porous structure (porosity 20-60%)

✔  High cost-effectiveness (abundant raw material reserves)

2. Classification of cordierite ceramics

Dense cordierite: porosity<5%, high strength, electronic packaging substrate

Porous cordierite: porosity of 30-60%, diesel particulate filter (DPF)

Honeycomb cordierite: pore density 100-400CPI, carrier for automotive catalytic converters

3. Performance characteristics of cordierite ceramics

(1) Thermal properties

Temperature resistance: Long term use temperature of 1200 ℃, short-term use temperature of 1400 ℃

Thermal conductivity: 1.5W/(m · K) (ideal insulation material)

Thermal expansion compatibility: close to various metals/glasses

(2) Mechanical performance

Bending strength:50-120MPa

Hardness:Mohs hardness 7-7.5

Density:2.0-2.6g/cm ³

(3) Chemical stability

Acid and alkali resistance: stable within the pH range of 3-11

Resistance to molten metal erosion: Aluminum/copper melt does not infiltrate

4. Application of cordierite ceramics

(1) Automotive industry

Diesel particulate filter (DPF): captures exhaust particulate matter (porosity 50%)

Catalytic converter carrier: honeycomb structure (200-400 pores/square inch)

(2) Electronics and Energy

Integrated circuit substrate: low dielectric constant (ε)= 5.2@1MHz ）

Solar collector: resistant to high temperature cycling aging

(3) Industrial kiln equipment

Kiln car shed board: reduces weight by 30% (compared to traditional refractory bricks)

Thermocouple protection tube: better thermal shock resistance than alumina

5. Technological development trends

Nano modification: adding nano ZrO₂ to enhance strength to 200MPa

3D printing honeycomb structure: optimizing airflow distribution (reducing pressure drop by 15%)

Recycling technology: The recovery rate of waste cordierite ceramics is over 90%

summarize

Cordierite ceramics have become an irreplaceable material in the field of high-temperature thermal management due to their unique thermal stability and economy!