SHAPING OF CERAMIC POWDERS BY TECHNIQUES USING IN SITU POLYMERIZATION: ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The selected aspects concerning the shaping of ceramic powders by techniques using in-situ polymerization are presented. Optimization of the ceramic slurry composition, prevention of oxygen inhibition and analysis of gases released to the atmosphere during organics burnout are discussed. The presented results are performed for alumina and zirconia formed by gelcasting and gel-tape casting methods. The biggest challenges in shaping by above techniques lie in achieving homogenous green bodies of high mechanical strength and/or elasticity using low-toxic organic substances. The results of rheological measurements, which allow determining the polymerization idle time, DTA/TG analysis coupled with mass spectrometry, and SEM microstructure of green and sintered zirconia samples are presented.