Importance

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Abstract

A body is disclosed which is at least about 90% by weight cordierite, has a mean pore size of less than about 10.0 microns, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of no greater than about 9.0.times.10.sup.-7 /.degree.C. from about 25.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating the body. Raw materials are selected to form a composition consisting essentially of in percent by weight about 12 to 16 magnesium oxide, about 35 to 41 aluminum oxide, and about 43 to 53 silica. The raw materials are absent of clay and talc. The magnesium oxide is supplied by a magnesium oxide component having an average particle size of no greater than about 15.0 micrometers in diameter. The aluminum oxide is supplied by an aluminum oxide component having an average particle size of no greater than about 8.0 micrometers in diameter. The composition is capable of forming cordierite in the subsequent firing step. The raw materials are blended with an affective amount of vehicle and forming aids to impart plastic formability and green strength thereto and form a plastic mixture. The raw materials are formed into a green body which is dried and fired. The firing is done by heating to a first temperature of about 1000.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. and thereafter raising the temperature at a rate of less than about 100.degree. C. per hour to a second temperature sufficient to form cordierite, and maintaining the second temperature for a sufficient time to form the cordierite body.

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First Claim