Pore space of steatite ceramics triggered by the allowance of natural fibers: High-resolution X-ray microscopy analysis and related thermo-mechanical properties

A large number (greater than 150) of porous steatite ceramic rods were prepared using different types renewable plant fiber products as pore-forming agent with mass contents ranging from 2 to 10%. In addition, dense ceramics synthesized for comparison within a gas furnace at sintering temperatures between 1300 and 1350 °C. High-resolution 3D X-ray microscopy facilitated non-destructive, direct investigation the three-dimensional pore space microstructure. By image-based analysis, various parameters, such as, e.g., volume, pore-size distribution, connectivity determined. addition characterization space, phase structural chemical investigations carried out by powder diffraction, electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy. Finally, evaluate influence characteristics on physical properties, elastic, strength thermal properties With increase porosity, flexural conductivity values decrease σf = 123 ± 8 37 5 MPa λ 3.22 0.02 1.77 W/(m·K), respectively. The obtained experimental results discussed means micromechanical models, highlighting effect pore-space morphologies performance ceramics.