Effect of Element Doping on Structure and Properties of Cordierite Ceramics

Cordierite ceramics, with a formula of 2MgO·2Al₂O₃·5SiO₂, are characterized by low coefficient of thermal expansion and low dielectric constant, as compared with common structural ceramics, such as SiC and Al₂O₃, thus having wide applications in the fields of metallurgy, automotive, catalytic, environmental protection and electronics. For different applications, the cordierite ceramics should have different performances. In this case, structure and properties of the cordierite ceramics need to be adjusted by doping with different elements. The progress in the preparation process and application of cordierite ceramics is reviewed. Especially, the effects of element doping on thermal expansion, microwave dielectric and mechanical properties of cordierite ceramics are summarized and discussed. The future development of cordierite ceramic is also proposed.