Preparation and characterization of highly porous Yb₂SiO₅ ceramics using water-based freeze-casting

This study introduces a new, highly porous Yb₂SiO₅ ceramic prepared using a water-based freeze-casting technique. The prepared porous Yb₂SiO₅ ceramic had ultra-high porosity (82–86 %) and tailored pore structures. The effects of sintering temperature on the pore structure, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties of these ceramics were investigated. The sample with 15 vol% solid content prepared at 1450 °C had ultra-low linear shrinkage (4.85 %), ultra-high porosity (83.95 %), high compressive strength (2.15 MPa), and low thermal conductivity (0.121 W/m K). In addition, this sample showed a relatively high compressive strength (1.15 MPa) at 1500 °C. These results highlight the potential application of highly porous Yb₂SiO₅ ceramics as thermal insulator materials in ultra-high temperature environments.