Enhancement of Flexural Strength by Slip Casting Cordierite Ceramics with h-BN Nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, we enhanced the flexural strength of cordierite ceramics by incorporating h-BN (hexagonal boron nitride) nanoparticles, facilitated by the slip casting process. Initially, commercial cordierite powder with an average particle size of 10 mm underwent a ball-milling process to reduce the size to 2.5 mm and simultaneously achieve a narrower particle size distribution. The resulting slurry, composed of 67% solid content, exhibited improved stability during the slip casting process for both pristine cordierite and the mixture containing 1 – 2 wt% h-BN nanoparticles. After sintering, the bulk material containing 2wt% h-BN nanoparticles demonstrated a remarkable flexural strength of 174.8 MPa, a significant improvement compared to the initial 119.5 MPa obtained without the addition of h-BN. It is worth noting that the introduction of h-BN nanoparticles did not induce substantial changes in dielectric constant and thermal conductivity, indicating that the desired mechanical enhancement did not compromise other crucial material properties. This research demonstrates a successful approach to concurrently optimize the flexural strength, dielectric constants, and thermal conductivity of cordierite ceramics. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for advanced applications in a wide range of fields, from electronics to aerospace, where high-strength, thermally stable materials are in demand.