Production and Characterization of Alumina and Steatite Based Ceramic Insulators

In this study, production of alumina and steatite containing ceramic insulators as thermostat material was realized by investigating the composition, pressing pressure and sintering temperature. 90 bar of pressing pressure was employed to give a ring shape to thermostat insulators by mixing with 3% kerosene. Alumina based samples were sintered at 1400°C, while 1300°C sintering temperature was determined to be efficient for steatite based samples. Optimum pressing pressure and sintering temperature for batches were 90 bar and 1350°C, respectively. Sintered bodies subjected to Megger test at 1200 V and 50 Hz exhibited good electrical insulation. It was concluded that higher alumina containing batch composition was the ultimate candidate as thermostat insulator, especially in terms of density and compressive strength.