Influence of sintering temperature on microstructural changes of ceramic Raschig ring

The thermal behavior of Illitic-kaolinitic clay for manufacturing of low porosity ceramic Raschig rings was characterized during the sintering process. The samples were shaped by extrusion method and fired at different temperatures from 1,100 to 1,300 °C. The main physical-chemical transformations were studied by evaluating changes in shrinkage, water absorption, porosity, mechanical strength, microstructure and mineralogical compositions. The optimum sintering condition was found to obtain maximum mechanical strength. Chemical resistance of ceramic Raschig rings also was determined according standard method. It was shown that the better chemical resistance could be attributed to the different mineralogical compositions, in particular with presence of mullite phase.