Characterization of crystal phase evolution in cordierite honeycomb for diesel particulate filter by using rietveld refinement and SEM-EDS methods

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a typical application field of cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18) honeycomb. Green body for DPF honeycomb was extruded using slurry paste and sintered at the temperature range of 980 similar to 1450 degrees C. Quantitative crystal phase analysis was carried out by using Rietveld refinement method for powder XRD data. In conjunction with the quantitative Rietveld analysis, SEM-EDS analysis was carried for the crystal phases (indialite, cordierite, cristobalite, alumina, spinel, mullite, pro-enstatite). After removing amorphous phase on the sintered surfaces by chemical etching method, the shape and composition of the crystal phases can be clearly identified by SEM-EDS method. By combining the Rietveld refinement method and SEM-EDS analysis, crystal phase evolution process in DPF cordierite ceramics could be clarified. In addition, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the DPF honeycombs were measured and compared with the calculated CTEs based on the quantitative crystal phase analysis results.