High Temperature Compressive Strength of Extruded Cordierite Ceramic Substrates

High temperature modulus of rupture (MOR) data, published previously, show that the ceramic catalyst supports get stronger with temperature due to the absence of water vapor and closure of microcracks which would otherwise act as stress concentrators [1, 2 and 3]*. The increased MOR value is partially responsible for the excellent durability of ceramic catalyst supports at high temperature. In this paper, we will present the compressive strength data of ceramic substrates at high temperature, namely the crush strength along B-axis and biaxial compressive strength of the whole substrate. Since the honeycomb strength is directly related to that of the individual cell wall, the compressive strength should also increase with temperature similar to the modulus of rupture. Accordingly, the ceramic substrates are capable of supporting higher mounting pressures exerted by the intumescent mat at high temperature [4]. The increased biaxial compressive strength at high temperature permits a robust mounting system for circular substrates. Similarly, the higher crush strength along B-axis ensures a robust mounting system for oval substrates. These data help ensure the long-term durability of ceramic catalyst supports over a wide temperature range representative of operating conditions.