Sintered body of light transmitting cordierite and a method of preparing the same

A method of preparing a light transmitting sintered body of cordierite comprising:

• making a sintered body having a composition equal or close to the stoichiometric composition of cordierite which is represented as 2MgO.2Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.5SiO.sub.2, consisting mainly of a phase of cordierite crystals, and containing less than 0.5% of impurities;
• and
• subjecting said body to hot isostatic pressing at a temperature of 1350.degree. C. to 1450.degree. C. and a pressure of 1000 to 2000 atmospheres to produce a cordierite having a total transmittance of at least 20%.

A method of preparing a light transmitting sintered body of cordierite comprising:

• making a sintered body from a powder prepared from a mixture of an alumina sol, a silica sol, and a magnesium salt, having a composition equal or close to the stoichiometric composition of cordierite which is represented as 2MgO.2Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.5SiO.sub.2, consisting mainly of a phase of cordierite crystals, and containing less than 0.5% of impurities;
• and
• subjecting said body to hot isostatic pressing at a temperature of 1350.degree. C. to 1450.degree. C. and a pressure of 1000 and 2000 atmospheres to produce a cordierite having a total transmittance of at least 20%.

A method of preparing a light transmitting sintered body of cordierite comprising:

• making a sintered body from a powder prepared from a mixture of an aluminum alkoxide, a magnesium alkoxide, and a silicate, having a composition equal or close to the stoichiometric composition of cordierite which is represented as 2MgO.2Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.5SiO.sub.2, consisting mainly of a phase of cordierite crystals, and containing less than 0.5% of impurities;
• and
• subjecting said body to hot isostatic pressing at a temperature of 1350.degree. C. to 1450.degree. C. and a pressure of 1000 and 2000 atmospheres to produce a cordierite having a total transmittance of at least 20%.