The book depicts comprehensive studies on thermal decomposition of Kaolinite by different physico-chemical methods carried out by various scientists in last 100 years and results of the studies conducted by author in past 33 years. It also provides a critical analysis of different views on Kaolinite-Mullite reaction series, characterization of controversial spinel phase in Kaolinite-Mullite reaction series and explanation of DTA events of Kaolinite. The book helps both researchers and students to realise the new mechanism of transformation of Kaolinite to Mullite. The new reaction processes discussed in the book also help ceramic experts to synthesize Mullite grains in commercial way for production of Mullite porcelain and Mullite refractory.

Comprehensive presentation of six synthesis processes of mullite precursors, such as gelation, coprecipitation, diphasic gelation, codecomposition, and microcomposite processes, are shown. Comparison of phase evolution processes of spray pyrolysis, monophasic, polymeric, coprecipitated, diphasic precursors and composite mullite powders is established. Critical analysis of the results of DTA, XRD, IR, and MAS NMR of earlier researchers, as shown in Review part of the book, is included. Chemistry behind the hydrolysis reaction of different components in six synthesis processes of mullite precursors in achieving homogeneity is shown. Elaborate discussion of the characterization of Al-Si spinel and t-mullite based on studies of alkali leaching, TEM/EDS, QXRD, and lattice constant measurements is done. Remarkable of diagrams/graphics are included in each chapter.

The book depicts comprehensive studies on thermal decomposition of Kaolinite by different physico-chemical methods carried out by various scientists in last 100 years and results of the studies conducted by author in past 33 years. It also provides a critical analysis of different views on Kaolinite–Mullite reaction series, characterization of controversial spinel phase in Kaolinite–Mullite reaction series and explanation of DTA events of Kaolinite. The book helps both researchers and students to realise the new mechanism of transformation of Kaolinite to Mullite. The new reaction processes discussed in the book also help ceramic experts to synthesize Mullite grains in commercial way for production of Mullite porcelain and Mullite refractory.