Phase transformation and properties of high-quality mullite ceramics synthesized using desert drift sands as raw materials

Abstract The desert drift sands were used as raw materials to synthesize mullite ceramics in order to save mineral resources and protect the environment. The experimental results show the formation temperature of mullite was reduced significantly and the density and mechanical properties were remarkably improved compared to the reference sample prepared using analytical reagents. The impurity cations formed low thermal expansion of glass phase, contributing to the decrease of thermal expansion coefficient. Finally, the obtained mullite ceramics had excellent densification, mechanical properties and low thermal expansion coefficient.