DING XINDA: Bimodal porous structures were prepared by combining conventional sacrificial template and partial sintering methods. These porous structures were analysed by comparing pore characteristics and gas permeation properties of alumina/mullite specimens sinter...  moreBimodal porous structures were prepared by combining conventional sacrificial template and partial sintering methods. These porous structures were analysed by comparing pore characteristics and gas permeation properties of alumina/mullite specimens sintered at different temperatures. The pore characteristics were investigated by SEM, mercury  porosimetry , and capillary flow porosimetry. A bimodal  pore structure  was observed. One type of pore was induced by starch, which acted as a sacrificial template. The other pore type was due to partial sintering. The pores produced by starch were between 2 and 10   µm whereas those produced by partial sintering exhibited pore size of 0.1–0.5   µm. The effects of  sintering temperature  on porosity,  gas permeability , and  mullite  phase formation were studied. The formation of the mullite phase was confirmed by XRD.  Compressive strengths  of 37.9   MPa and 12.4   MPa with porosities of 65.3% and 70% were achieved in alumina and mullite specimens sintere...    less