The cordierite was synthesized by two unconventional methods: 1) the method
which uses hydrosilicate precursors and 2) the method which uses organic
precursors. Comparison of these synthesis methods with the classical one is
the main subject of the presented paper. The influence of Li2O on the
cordierite phase formation was investigated too. The results have suggested
that the method which uses hydrosilicate precursors provides the SiO2 linkage
as magnesium metasilicate, but is not adequate for the cordierite synthesis.
Only in the presence of Li2O considerably amount of the ?-cordierite
modification was formed, confirming the mineralizing effect of this oxide. In
addition, the results have clearly demonstrated that the method which uses
organic precursors is suitable for the cordierite synthesis. Thus, even
without mineralizer it can be used for the preparation of the almost pure
?-cordierite at 1200?C. Because of that this method was used to obtain
pigments with cordierite structure, in which Al3+ was partially substituted
with Cr3+ (pink pale colour), and Mg2+ was partially substituted with Co2+
(blue colour).
Cordierite (2MgO•2Al2O3•5SiO2) synthesis by unconventional methods
