ZrO2 and MxOy (M= La, Ce, and Nb) synergistically reinforced porous cordierite ceramics synthesized via a facile solid-state reaction

In an attempt to enhance the sintering and mechanical performance of porous cordierite ceramics (Mg 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18 ) as support materials for vehicle exhaust catalysts, ZrO 2 and M x O y (M = La, Ce, and Nb) were simultaneously introduced into cordierite sintered at 1350 °C for 4 h. Then, the reinforced function of ZrO 2 and M x O y on the properties of porous cordierite ceramics was systematically evaluated, especially for the sample co-doped with ZrO 2 and La 2 O 3 . The results displayed a distinct enhancement in mechanical and thermal performance, and the cold compressive strength increased from 72.74 to 158.59 MPa as well as thermal conductivity ranged from 1.66 to 2.01 W m −1  K −1 , respectively. It is found that ZrO 2 facilitated activation sintering introduced via lattice distortion in cordierite and La 2 O 3 accelerated the formation of cordierite and ZrSiO 4 microcrystalline through the low-temperature liquid phase. The synergic effect between ZrO 2 and La 2 O 3 , therefore, had a significant role in the reinforced mechanical and thermal performance of porous cordierite ceramics. This work not only offers a feasible strengthening strategy, but also expands the possibilities for building high-performance structural and functional ceramics .