Patent ID: 6933255

Claim:
A method for forming a ceramic body based on a solid solution of beta-spodumene, the method comprising: a. forming a plastic batch comprising inorganic raw material powders, organic additives, and a liquid component, wherein the inorganic raw material powders are composed of minerals selected to react and form a solid solution of beta-spodumene and from which glass components are absent; b. shaping the plastic batch into a green fired structure; and, c. drying and firing the green structure for a time and a temperature sufficient to form a structure comprising predominately a beta-spodumene phase having a stoichiometry of 1:1:4 (Li 2 O:Al 2 O 3 :SiO 2 ) to 1:1:11 (Li 2 O:Al 2 O 3 :SiO 2 ) and exhibiting a porosity greater than 20% by volume and up to 60% by volume.