Outstanding thermal-shock resistance from a very low expansion coefficient. The proven specification for kiln furniture and catalyst supports operating through rapid temperature cycling.
Used for: kiln furniture · catalyst supports · diesel particulate filters · heater plates · heat-exchanger cores
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminosilicate (2MgO·2Al₂O₃·5SiO₂) formulated for very low thermal expansion and outstanding thermal-shock tolerance. It is the standard refractory for kiln furniture cycled rapidly between ambient and ~1200 °C, and the global default substrate for automotive catalytic converters and particulate filters.
Cordierite’s defining property is its very low coefficient of thermal expansion (~1.5 × 10⁻⁶/K) — comparable to fused silica. Combined with modest strength and low thermal conductivity, this delivers exceptional resistance to thermal shock. Service ceiling is ~1300 °C, below alumina and mullite.
Cordierite is typically extruded into thin-walled honeycomb structures or pressed into plates and setters. The honeycomb form, used in automotive emissions control, presents enormous surface area for catalysis in a low-pressure-drop geometry — only achievable because the material can survive rapid temperature swings without cracking.
Kiln furniture (setters, plates, batts) for fast-firing tableware and tile kilns, catalyst support honeycombs for automotive and industrial emissions, diesel particulate filter substrates, heater plates and heat-exchanger cores for waste-heat recovery.
| Grade | Purity | Max temp | Density | Hardness | Typical use | Find products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordierite — extruded honeycomb | Standard formulation | 1250 °C | 2.1 | — | Catalyst supports, DPF substrates, exhaust honeycombs | → Find products |
| Cordierite — pressed/cast | Standard formulation | 1300 °C | 2.3 | — | Kiln furniture — setters, plates, heater bases | → Find products |
Click any column header to sort. Each grade links to its filtered product list.
Its near-zero thermal expansion lets a honeycomb survive a cold start and a 900 °C exhaust pulse in the same minute without cracking — and it can be extruded into thin-walled, high-surface-area geometries that no other refractory accepts at that scale.
Cordierite wins on thermal-shock resistance and cost; mullite wins on temperature and strength. Below 1300 °C with rapid cycling, cordierite is usually the right call. Above 1300 °C or where mechanical load matters, step up to mullite.
Continuous service to ~1300 °C in dense forms, ~1250 °C in extruded honeycomb. Above this, the cordierite phase begins to decompose; specify mullite or higher-alumina refractories instead.
No FAQs match your search. Try a different keyword or contact us directly.
Tell us your operating temperature, the chemistry it'll see and any mechanical loads. We'll specify a grade — or recommend an alternative material — and link you directly to matching products.
