Synthesis and characterization of cordierite-based ceramics obtained from rhassoul.

This work presents a new way to prepare cordierite-based ceramics using a raw material abundant in Morocco: rhassoul. Mainly constituted of stevensite (Si4Mg3O10(OH)(2)), rhassoul can substitute talc in cordierite synthesis. Two ways were explored : from rhassoul, silica and alumina mixtures ; from rhassoul, and andalousite mixtures ; The progress of the reaction was followed by X-ray diffraction on materials prepared up to 1300degreesC. the cordierite formation is made easier due to rhassoul high specific surface area. The ceramics obtained by reaction sintering at 1250degreesC were characterized by XRD and SEM. Their thermal expansion coefficient was measured.