Beach-sand-sillimanite based zirconia-mullite composites

The preparation of zirconia-mullite composites from Indian coastal beach-sand sillimanite, zirconia and alumina, with yytria as an additive was performed. The sillimanite sand, zirconia and yttria were received from Indian Rare Earth Ltd. and the alumina from Indian Aluminum Co.Ltd. Sieve analysis of sillimanite and and particle-size distribution of zirconia were evaluated, and batch compositions were selected as per stoichmetry for obtaining the required amount of mullite in an in-situ condition. Zirconia-mullite composites from Indian coastal sillimanite beach sand, zirconia and alumina can be prepared in the temperature range of 1500-1600°C with yttria as an additive