The influence of the particle size distribution of the precursor oxides on the synthesis of cordierite by solid-state reaction has been investigated. Expectedly, it is found that reducing the particle size of the raw materials results in a decrease in the temperature at which the synthesis process starts. Likewise, small particle sizes promote the sintering when subjecting the monoliths to high temperatures (1400 degrees C) for long periods of time (500 min), with almost no destruction of the highly crystalline honeycomb structure, which is mainly comprised of a pseudo-cordierite. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.