Abstract: A method for making a cordierite filter article, including: firing an extruded green body batch composition according to: a first temperature ramping from ambient temperature up to a first soaking temperature; a first soaking at a temperature of at least 1255° C. for at least 2 hours; a second temperature ramping from the first soak temperature down to a second soak temperature; and a second soaking at a temperature of at least 1250° C. and at least 5° C. below the first soaking temperature, as defined herein.

Abstract: A method for making a cordierite filter article, including: firing an extruded green body batch composition according to: a first temperature ramping from ambient temperature up to a first soaking temperature; a first soaking at a temperature of at least 1255° C. for at least 2 hours; a second temperature ramping from the first soak temperature down to a second soak temperature; and a second soaking at a temperature of at least 1250° C. and at least 5° C. below the first soaking temperature, as defined herein.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (10) comprises at least one reactant passage (60) defined within a layer (50) of the microfluidic device (10) and comprising one or more chambers (70, 75) disposed along a central axis (110). Each chamber (100) is divided at a flow-splitting region (150) into two subpassages (140, 145) that diverge from the central axis (110) and then converge together at a flow-joining region (160). The flow-splitting region (150), the flow-joining region (160) or both may comprise at least one flow-directing cape (180, 185) comprising a terminus (190, 195) positioned along the central axis (110). In some embodiments, each subpassage (140) may comprise at least one bend (170). In other embodiments, each subpassage (310) may comprise at least two spaced bends (330, 335).