| abstract |
A honeycomb structure 10 of the present invention comprises: porous honeycomb units 11 having multiple through-holes, including the first form of an inorganic material (for example, ceramic particles), the second form of an inorganic material (for example, inorganic fibers or ceramic particles having large particle sizes), and an inorganic binder; and sealing material layers 14 jointing the porous honeycomb units 11 at outer surfaces 13 where the through-holes are not open. The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the through-holes is 5 to 50 cm 2 . The ratio of the total cross-sectional area of the porous honeycomb units 11 to the cross-sectional areaof the honeycomb structure 10 is not less than 85%. The honeycomb structure 10 reduces thermal stress or vibration applied to each porous honeycomb unit 11, by the sealing material layers 14, and allows for a more effective use of surface on which catalyst components are dispersed. |