Mechanical Properties of Dense Cordierite Discs Sintered by Solar Radiation Heating

Abstract

Consolidation of cordierite disc specimens was undertaken under concentrated solar beam in a solar furnace at PSA (Plataforma Solar de Almería). Satisfactory extent of densification was achieved by the present solar-sintering experiment. The mechanical properties measured for the solar-sintered cordierite test pieces were; density ρ=2.45±0.02 g/cm3, Vickers microhardness HV=7.31±0.29 GPa, Young’s modulus E=97±5 GPa, shear modulus G=38±2 GPa, Poisson ratio ν=0.27±0.01, fracture toughness KIC=1.50±0.15 MPa·m1⁄2 and modulus of rupture evaluated by ring-on-ring test MORROR=57.8±13.7 MPa which were comparable to those of the counterparts sintered by conventional industrial gas urnace.