Microwave-Assisted Preparation and Sintering of Mullite and Mullite–Zirconia Composites from Metal Organics

Abstract

Decomposition characteristics of a mixture of aluminum-tri-sec butoxide (ASB) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in ethyl acetate solution by microwave pyrolysis was examined. The decomposed product was used as a second-stage precursor in the preparation of pure mullite $(3Al_2O_3\cdot2SiO_2)$. Mullite–zirconia composites were obtained, using the aLtd mixture along with zirconium-iso-propoxide as starting materials. Pellets of mullite and mullite–zirconia composites were sintered in a microwave oven using \beta-SiC as a secondary heater