Diatomite powder, a naturally occurring porous raw material, was used to make ceramic materials with porosity and high strength. The sintering behavior of the diatomite powder at various sintering temperatures suggests that diatomite monoliths with a high porosity and strength can be prepared at 1100 oC. The compressive strength of the sintered diatomite monoliths increased as the sintering temperature increased, and the molding pressure of 2MPa and the binder of 18.6 wt.% were excellent. When the sintering temperature rises, the diatomite powder is melted, and its pores gradually disappear. SEM images show that strengthening begins with the formation of inter-particle bonds at a low sintering temperature.

Keywords: Diatomite, SiO2, Molding pressure, PEG content, Sintering, Compressive strength.