Microwave heat treatment on kyanite for mullite formation and the preparation of zirconia toughened mullite

Abstract

This article deals with the investigations on mullite ceramics formation from Kyanite sample- an alumino-silicate mineral with microwave heating. In the present investigation kyanite was heated in microwave sintering furnace with calcined alumina, silicon carbide, zirconium dioxide and binder for mullite formation as well as for the preparation of zirconia toughened mullite product. The results of these studies reveal that how a small amount of zirconium dioxide helps in toughening the mullite formation for refractory and ceramics applications. The results shows that microwave heating method is one of the most novel and eco-friendly process for such toughened mullite formation, well within very short period of time. The observations with mullite formation and zirconia toughened mullite formation were observed with the structural data using X-ray diffraction data, field effect scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Future studies are still in process.

Keywords:

• Microwave heat treatment
• kyanite
• mullite
• zirconia
• susceptor
• cristobalite
• x-ray diffraction
• field effect scanning electron microscope

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the management to provide the research facilities to carry out the work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Satya Sai Srikant

Dr Satya Sai Srikant is presently working as Associate Professor in SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Delhi-NCR Campus, Modinagar, since 2009. He has more than 19 years’ experience in both research organization and institution. He qualified his M.Tech. from Delhi University and Ph.D from SOA University, in the field of Microwave Electronics. He is contributing the research work in the area of Microwave and RF Technologies, Antenna Technologies, applications of microwave technology in mineral processing and materials technology. He published more than 40 papers in International reputed journals and conferences. He has authored one book, four book chapters and three patents. He successfully guided one PhD student and is presently guiding six Ph.D. scholars.

Raghupatruni Bhima Rao

Dr Raghupatruni Bhima Rao is presently Emeritus Scientist and formerly working as Chief Scientist in CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, He has more than 45 years of experiences in both Mineral and processing technology. He qualified his M.Tech. from Andhra University in and Ph.D from IIT Dhanbad in Minerals Technology. He is contributing the research work in the area of Microwave Heating, Beach Sand Minerals, Geo-technology, Applications of microwave technology in mineral processing and materials technology. He published more than 200 papers in International reputed journals and conferences. He has authored 3 books and several patents. He successfully guided 10 PhD students. He received many National awards for his research contributions. He recently got elected as National Council member in Institution of Engineers (India). Apart from it, he is Technical Experts of many Government organizations and private industries.