Effect of composition and heat treatment on porosity and microstructures of technical ceramics made from kaolin and IG-017 additive

Abstract

Based on conventional kaolinite and IG-017 bio-original additives of IGREX Ltd. the authors have developed new ceramic composite materials for different industrial purposes. In this work, different powder mixtures of kaolinite and IG-017 bio-original additive were milled and uniaxially pressed at different compaction pressures into cylindrical discs, after compaction, the discs were sintered in electric kiln under oxidation atmosphere and in oxygen-free atmosphere. Using the oxygen-free sintering process, new high porosity ceramic materials were created. Through the examination of the microstructure of the produced specimens the authors have found that the ceramic structure is reinforced with carbon nanofibers.