Abstract: A method for firing a green honeycomb body and for manufacturing a cordierite honeycomb body. The honeycomb body is heated from an initial kiln temperature to a first kiln temperature that is from about 300° C. to 400° C., at an oxygen concentration greater than 16%. The honeycomb body is heated to a second kiln temperature that is from about 600° C. to 700° C. at a second heating rate of greater than 125° C./hr. The honeycomb body is heated to a third kiln temperature that is from about 800° C. to 900° C. at a third heating rate that is less than or equal to the second heating rate. The honeycomb body is heated to a fourth kiln temperature that is from about 1300° C. to 1450° C. at a fourth heating rate that is less than or equal to the third heating rate.

Abstract: Green ceramic mixture for extruding into an extruded green body includes one or more inorganic components selected from the group consisting of ceramic ingredients, inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients, and combinations thereof, at least one mineral oil, and from about 0.01 wt % to about 0.45 wt % of an antioxidant based on a total weight of the inorganic component(s), by super addition. The mineral oil has a kinematic viscosity of ?about 1.9 cSt at 100° C. The at least one antioxidant may have a degradation-rate peak temperature that is greater than the degradation-rate peak temperature of the at least one mineral oil. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral oil includes greater than about 20 wt % alkanes with greater than 20 carbons, based on a total weight of the at least one mineral oil. Methods of making an unfired extruded body using the batch mixture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Green ceramic mixture for extruding into an extruded green body includes one or more inorganic components selected from the group consisting of ceramic ingredients, inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients, and combinations thereof, at least one mineral oil, and from about 0.01 wt % to about 0.45 wt % of an antioxidant based on a total weight of the inorganic component(s), by super addition. The mineral oil has a kinematic viscosity of ?about 1.9 cSt at 100° C. The at least one antioxidant may have a degradation-rate peak temperature that is greater than the degradation-rate peak temperature of the at least one mineral oil. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral oil includes greater than about 20 wt % alkanes with greater than 20 carbons, based on a total weight of the at least one mineral oil. Methods of making an unfired extruded body using the batch mixture are also disclosed.