Hierarchically cell-window structured porous cordierite prepared by particle-stabilized emulsions using potato starch as a modifier

Abstract

Porous cordierite ceramics (PCCs) with hierarchical microstructures were prepared by particle-stabilized emulsions method using potato starch (PS) as a modifier. The formation of hierarchical structure was ascribed to the removal of oil bubbles and consumption of PS during the sintering process. The volume shrinkage of samples tended to be stable with a solid content of 40 vol. %. When the PS content was 25 wt. %, PCCs with a controlled hierarchical pore structure up to 91.4% porosity, compressive strength of 5.76 MPa, and pore size of 6.19 μm was obtained. The thermal conductivity of PCCs was optimized to 0.4325 W/m K, along with the pore size distribution showing a single peak trend at the same time. The chemical corrosion of PCCs in both strong acid and alkaline medium was inhibited by the stable cordierite phase. The method of preparing PCCs with controlled hierarchical structured was potentially applicable in catalyst carrier and filtration.