Preparation of Synthetic Cordierite by Solid-State Reaction via Bismuth Oxide Flux

A comparative study of the solid-state reaction synthesis of cordierite with and without the use of a flux was performed, varying the sintering temperatures between 900° and 1400°C. Bi₂O₃ proved to be a useful additive for lowering the temperature needed for the reaction to take place. The deviation from the ordered β-cordierite phase was analyzed using the distortion index Δ as a factor of merit. The values obtained for Δ in all compositions showed that cordierite tended to a much-ordered structure with increased sintering temperatures.