Research on the gel casting process and flexural strength of high-stability alumina ceramics

Abstract

Gel casting is an advanced wet-forming method for ceramics. In this paper, Isoabm 104 is selected as the dispersant and gelation agent for gel casting. The optimization of gel casting slurry and the preparation of the green and sintered alumina bodies are investigated. TAC reduces the viscosity of the slurry significantly due to electrostatic interaction. Isopropanol alcohol and vacuum tank eliminates the slurry’s air bubbles, thus improving the density of green bodies. A staged drying process is necessary to produce smooth and defect-free green bodies. After optimization of the slurry formulation and gel casting process, alumina ceramics with a Weibull modulus of 11.1 are successfully prepared.