Structure and properties study of magnesium oxide porous ceramics prepared by Organic Foam Template Method

Magnesium oxide (MgO) porous ceramics with high porosity, compressive strength and low thermal conductivity were prepared by Organic Foam Template Method. The effects of the sintering temperature, polycarboxylic acid (PCE) dispersant and pore size of organic foam template on the properties of MgO porous ceramics were investigated. The experiment results showed that with the increase of sintering temperature, the MgO porous ceramic shrinkage, skeleton density and compressive strength increased. PCE could increase the fluidity of slurry and make the framework clearer, as well as reduce the cracks formed in the process of drying effectively. When the content of PCE was 0.5 wt-%, the porosity, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of MgO porous ceramics were 88.5%, 1.6 MPa and 0.045 W/(m·K), respectively. In addition, as the pore size of the organic foam template decreased, the porosity decreased, and the resistance increased and the thermal conductivity increased.