Silicates
Family Overview
Silicate ceramics, the oldest family of ceramics, are multi-phase materials developed from natural silicate sources such as clay, kaolin, feldspar, and soapstone. Today’s silicates — including cordierite, forsterite, mullite, steatite, and technical porcelain — evolved from traditional ceramics and are useful for cost-effective technical applications such as electrical insulators and chemical labware. Skip to material property data >>
Cordierite
Cordierite is a cost-effective material suitable for mass production and is available in both dense and open porous forms. The material exhibits strong electrochemical and chemical resistance, along with good arc resistance. It offers high thermal shock resistance and low heat capacity. Its homogeneous structure supports efficient heat dissipation.
Example Applications:
- Perforated Plaques and Infrared radiators
- Spark arresters
- High current applications
Contact a CoorsTek expert to choose a Cordierite solution for your application.
Forsterite
Forsterite is used in electronics, often as silicate substrates, because of its good electrical and dielectric properties.
Example Applications:
- Sensors
- Electrical substrates
Contact a CoorsTek expert to choose a Forsterite solution for your application.
Mullite
Mullite has excellent thermal shock resistance and dielectric strength, making it ideal for electronic components for manufacturing purposes.
Example Applications:
- Ceramic tubes
- Metal foundry filters
Contact a CoorsTek expert to choose a mullite solution for your application.
Porcelain
As the company's longest running line of technical ceramics, CoorsTek chemical and scientific labware has become an industry standard. After glazing, CoorsTek porcelain labware resists corrosion and demonstrates superior thermal properties. Search the CoorsTek Labware Store to find the right piece of equipment for you.
Example Applications:
- Chemical & scientific labware
- Electrical insulators
Contact a CoorsTek expert to choose a porcelain solution for your application.
Steatite
Steatite is a cost-effective material engineered for high-temperature environments and long-term stability. Its resistance to ageing and suitability for mass production make it ideal for industrial use. Steatite performs well in high-frequency applications and offers reliable wear and chemical resistance, while maintaining dimensional stability under heat.
Example Applications:
- Insulating beads for flexible electrical cables
- Fuses
- Temperature limiter sockets for Consumer and Household Durables
Contact a CoorsTek expert to choose a steatite solution for your application.
| Properties | Units | Cordierite | Forsterite | Mullite | Porcelain | Steatite |
| Flexural Strength, MOR (20 °C) | MPa | 100 | 20 | 45 - 170 | 130 | 140 - 160 |
| Fracture Toughness, KIc | MPa m1/2 | — | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
|
Thermal Conductivity (20 °C) |
W/m K | 2.5 | 7.3 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 1x10-6/°C | 4.0 | — | 4.0 - 5.0 | 4.9 | 8.5 - 10.0 |
| Maximum Use Temperature | °C | 1200 | 1400 | 1700 | 1400 | 1200 |
| Dielectric Strength (6.35mm) | ac-kV/mm | 10 | — | 9.8 - 10.0 | — | — |
| Dielectric Loss (tan δ) | 1MHz, 25 °C | — | — | 0.002 | 0.0024 | — |
| Volume Resistivity (25°C) | Ω-cm | 1012 | — |
1010 to 1014 |
— |
1013 |