Ultra-high-frequency radio-transparent ceramics of cordierite composition doped with MgO–Al2O3–B2O3–SiO2 glass: Synthesis, microstructure, thermal and physical properties

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study of radio-transparent cordierite ceramics, in which a part of the components was introduced using the eutectic glass of the MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 pseudoternary system. The formation of α-cordierite occurs during the sintering of ceramics due to the intensive interaction of components of the eutectic glass with crystalline fillers, as well as due to the crystallization of glass. At the same time, densely sintered material was obtained at relatively low temperatures (1300–1350°С). The crystalline phase of α-cordierite fully forms the structural matrix of the ceramic material. Crystals of the cordierite phase are formed in the form of regular-shaped flat prisms, mostly 1–3 μm in size. The pores between cordierite crystals are completely filled with glassy phase, which ensures their strong connection, uniform and dense microstructure of the material, as well as high strength, dielectric and thermal characteristics.