HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE

摘要

Honeycomb structure (10) having such a structure that porous honeycomb units (11) having multiple through-holes and comprising an inorganic material of first form (for example, ceramic particles), an inorganic material of second form (for example, inorganic fibers and ceramic particles of large diameter) and an inorganic binder are coupled together through sealant layers (14) by an external surface (13) not having any open through-holes. The area of cross section orthogonal to the through-holes of porous honeycomb units (11) is in the range of 5 to 50 cm². The ratio of the sum of cross section areas of porous honeycombunits (11) tothe cross section area of the honeycomb structure (10) is 85% or more. In this honeycomb structure (10), any thermal stress and vibration on the individual porous honeycomb units (11) can be cushioned by the sealant layers (14), so that the surfaces having catalyst components spread thereon can be effectively utilized.