Aluminosilicate precursor for the processing of mulite ceramics was synthesized chemically from inorganic salts following colloidal route. V 2O5 was used as a sintering additive in different ratios with the precursor powder. The powder mixes were compacted and sintered at different elevated temperatures. The sintered masses were characterized by measuring the bulk density, porosity, flexural strength and fracture toughness. The extent of mullitization and final microstructure of the sintered masses were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and XRD analysis. It was observed that V2O5 exhibited favourable effect on the formation of properly crystallized mullite and in the improvement of different mechanical properties. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.