Abstract
The utilization of industrial by-products in ceramic production has become an essential strategy for enhancing both the sustainability and competitiveness of the ceramics industry. This study investigates the valorization of boron waste as a sustainable alternative raw material and sintering additive in the production of cordierite ceramics (2MgO.2Al2O3.5SiO2). Cordierite ceramics are essential for high-temperature applications due to their low coefficient of thermal expansion and excellent thermal shock resistance; however, their synthesis typically requires high temperatures and narrow sintering ranges, leading to high energy consumption. In this work, cordierite bodies were formulated using magnesite, kaolin, and quartz, with boron waste additions ranging from 0 to 1 wt.% to evaluate its potential as a cost-effective fluxing agent. The samples were produced via the slip casting method and sintered at 1260°C and 1320°C for 2 hours. Phase analysis, performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement. Additionally, the bulk densities of the sintered specimens were determined by the Archimedes method, while their flexural strengths were measured using three-point bending tests. The results, quantified via Rietveld refinement, indicate that the cordierite phase content increased with the addition of 1 wt.% boron waste at 1320°C. Furthermore, a significant improvement in mechanical properties was observed; the flexural strength rose to 30.36 MPa. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of boron waste not only promotes the synthesis of high-performance cordierite ceramics at lower temperatures but also offers a viable pathway for environmental protection and resource management through the effective recycling of industrial wastes.