Transactions of the INDIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY Vol. 36 1977
A Review on the Kaolinite-Mullite Transformation
s. P. CHAUDHURI
Pages : 71-78
DOI : 10.1080/0371750X.1977.10840646
Abstract
The transformation of kaolinite to mullite is reviewed. The
thermal effects observed during the transformation and the
phases which accompany these effects are discussed in the
light of the existing concepts. The chemical, thermal, X-ray,
electron-optical, infrared, orientational and crystallographic
evidences are advanced to reveal the nature of the intermediate
phases and to establish the course of the transformation
reaction. Strong evidences exist in favour of AI-Si spinel
and y-Al20 3 as the precursor of mullite formation. The
formation of y-Al20 3 phase finds support in the recent ir,
r.e.d. and X-ray fluorescence studies whereas the formation
of AI-Si spinel phase is necessary to maintain the structural
continuity of the phases from kaolinite to mullite as shown
by the single crystal X-ray studies. The transformation
follows the sequence: