Young’s modulus and thermal expansion of ceramic samples made from kaolin and zeolite

In this study we investigate the dependence of Young’s modulus, mass change, and thermal expansion of ceramic samples made from a varying amount of kaolin (100 – 50 %) and zeolite (0 – 50 %) on the firing temperature. The samples are fired in a furnace at different temperatures from room temperature up to 1100 °C with a heating rate of 5°C.min⁻¹ and 5 min soaking time at the highest temperature. Afterwards, the samples are freely cooled down and their mass, dimensions and resonant frequency are measured at room temperature. The resonant frequency (from which Young’s modulus is calculated) is measured using an apparatus based on the impulse excitation technique (IET). Young’s modulus of green samples is the highest for the sample containing 10 mass% of zeolite (3.2 GPa). After sintering the sample with 50 mass% of zeolite has the highest value (11.3 GPa).