Combinatorial Optimization of Ba/Fe-cordierite Solid Solution (Ba_0.05Fe_0.1Mg)₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈ for High Infrared Radiance Materials

A combinatorial chemistry method was employed to screen the Ba²⁺ and Fe³⁺ incorporated into cordierite structure (Ba_0.05Fe_0.1Mg)₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈ for exploring of high infrared radiance materials. A series of square-type sample array that consists of 7×7 compositions was synthesized by ink-jetting nitrate solutions into micro-reactor wells in a ceramic plate and then heat-treated at high temperatures. X-ray diffraction and infrared thermograph were used to analyze the effects of Ba²⁺/Fe³⁺ incorporating on the lattice distortion of cordierite and resultant changes in infrared radiance properties. Based on the results of X-ray phase analysis and radiance measurement of the scale-up prepared samples, the optimal Ba²⁺ and Fe³⁺ co-adding amount was determined to be 5%Ba²⁺ plus 10%Fe³⁺. Moreover, the infrared emissivity of the optimal composition at 100 °C was found to be higher than 0.8 in a wide wavelength range of 5–24 μm. The research work demonstrates a promising application of Ba²⁺/Fe³⁺ cordierite solid solution as a kind of infrared heating materials for energy saving.