Abstract
Abstract Six mixtures for cordierite–mullite ceramics were synthesized at various temperatures from 1,523.15 K (1,250°C) for pure cordierite to 1,773.15 K (1,500°C) for pure mullite. Then, the samples were submitted to the test of thermal shock resistance based on cycling heating–quenching procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) have been used to characterize the samples before and after heating–quenching test. Sample 6 of mullite was broken after 35 heating–quenching cycles, while the five other composites reminded stable over 45 cycles. The refractoriness of samples is found to be higher. XRD shows that heating–quenching procedure has led to crystallization of cordierite and mullite phases. Apart from sample 6, the pore structure is stable with slight consolidation that was found depending on cordierite/mullite ratio. Also, the microstructure images confirm the results of XRD and MIP showing crack in sample 6 only, but compact and larger particles resulting from crystal growth in other samples due to the repeated action of heating.