Optimization of conditions for fabrication of a ceramic component through gel-casting technique

Gel-casting technique has been used for the production of alumina ceramic component. It is an attractive novel ceramic forming process for making high quality complex shaped ceramic part. The optimization of the alumina loading, pH, dispersant and catalyst amount has been successfully carried out for fabrication of high strength alumina component. A high green strength of alumina component is fabricated with 55 volume% slurry, for which 220 g of alumina powder, Darvan 821A (1.0 mg/g of alumina), N-(hydroxymethyl) acrylamide, 10 wt% initiator ammonium persulfate and 10 wt% catalyst tetra-methylethylenediamine). After slurry preparation, casting and subsequent drying is done by slow heating. The green body and the component obtained after binder burn out have been characterized through scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques.