Characterization of cordierite produced from natural zeolite

In this study, cordierite production from natural zeolite which contains high amount of SiO2 was aimed. After calculating the recipe according to cordierite stoichiometry, pure Al2O3 and MgO were added. Intended cordierite amount didn?t attain from powder mixture which was prepared, directly shaping and sintering. In these samples, high amount of Al2O3 (corundum) and MgO (periclase) which couldn?t react were detected.For increase their ability to react, prepared powder mixture was mechanically activated in planetary mill for, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes at 600 rpm. Than pressed samples were sintered for 1 hour at 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300 and 1350°C at 10°C/h.For elimination of alkaline-earth oxides, K2O, Na2O and increment of MgO which is non-sufficient, zeolite was chemically activated for 20 hours at 450°C with MgCl2.6H2O. After chemical activation, XRF analysis showed that, SiO2, Al2O3 and MgO amount were slightly increased and alkaline earth oxides amount were slightly decreased. After calculating according to cordierite stoichiometry pure Al2O3 and SiO2 were added. First tries showed that, 1150 and 1200°C weren?t enough for this mixture. For this reason the experiment were conducted at 1250, 1300 and 1350°C.Cordierite phase was attain by both activation but mechanical activation was found more effective. Also, it was detected that samples, produced from mechanically activated powders, physical properties such as micro hardness, water absorption, porosity, and bulk density were better than chemically activated ones.