Fabrication and Microstructural Optimization of Mullite-based Porous Ceramics

doi:10.19691/j.cnki.1004-4493.2026.02.004

China's Refractories ›› 2026, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (2): 17-22.DOI: 10.19691/j.cnki.1004-4493.2026.02.004

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Fabrication and Microstructural Optimization of Mullite-based Porous Ceramics

ZHANG Zheng^1,2, ZHOU Wenying^1,3,*, JI Xiaojie¹, ZHAO Degang^1,*

1 College of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China;
2 CNRS, CEMHTI UPR 3079, University of Orlé ans, Orlé ans 45000, France;
3 Liaocheng Provincial University Science Park Development Co., Ltd., Liaocheng 252000, China

Online:2026-06-15 Published:2026-09-29
Contact: ^*e-mail: mse_zhouwy@ujn.edu.cn;mse_zhaodg@ujn.edu.cn
About author:Zhang Zheng was born in 1991. He received his Ph.D. degree from Wuhan University of Science and Technology and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan. His research interests mainly include the microstructure and strengthening/toughening design of porous ceramics, and the recycling of solid waste resources.

Abstract

Abstract: To broaden the design and development of high-performance porous ceramics, mullite porous ceramics were prepared by the direct foaming method, using industrial alumina and Guangxi white clay as raw materials, α-sodium olefin sulfonate as the foaming agent, modified polyethoxylated silicone (MPS) microemulsion as the foam stabiliser, and ammonium citrate as the dispersant. The effects of the MPS addition (0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%, by mass) and the stirring time (5, 10 and 15 min) on the microstructure and properties of the ceramics were investigated. The results demonstrate that the main crystalline phase of the ceramics is mullite, with corundum as the secondary phase. With the increase in the MPS addition, the pore size distribution of the ceramics becomes more uniform while the median pore diameter decreases, and the cold compressive strength and bulk density increase. With the prolongation of the stirring time, the porosity and median pore diameter of the ceramics decrease first and then increase, while the cold compressive strength and bulk density show an opposite trend. With 0.3% MPS and a stirring time of 10 min, the mullite-based porous ceramics have the optimal performance.

Key words: modified polyethoxylated silicone microemulsion, porous ceramics, pore structure, mullite, cold compressive strength

ZHANG Zheng, ZHOU Wenying, JI Xiaojie, ZHAO Degang. Fabrication and Microstructural Optimization of Mullite-based Porous Ceramics[J]. China's Refractories, 2026, 35(2): 17-22.

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Fabrication and Microstructural Optimization of Mullite-based Porous Ceramics

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