CORDIERITE-CERIUM(IV) OXIDE SYSTEM - MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES

Cordierite is a structural material used as a diesel particulate trap; CeO2 can be used as a catalyst to lower the diesel particulate igniti on temperature. CeO2 does not react with cordierite up to 1200 degrees C. In order to investigate the influences of CeO2 on cordierite physi cal properties, mechanical (modulus of rupture, Weibull modulus, Young modulus), thermal (melting point, thermal expansion coefficient) and microstructural (SEM-EDS, XRD, density, porosity) characterizations ha ve been carried out. No remarkable modifications of the microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties have been found.