Abstract
Slip Casting of Metal Powders. The slip casting of metal powders was investigated with atomized and electrolytic copper powders. The slip was prepared from the mixture of metal powders, defloculant (ammonium alginate) and water. The pH value of slip was controlled by adding concentrated sodium hydroxide. An optimum pH value range was 10-11. The apparent densities of slip cast specimens were 5g/cm3 in atomized copper powder and 2g/cm3 in electrolytic copper powder. The effect of particle size on sintering process of slip cast specimens was marked in both kinds of powder. The smaller the particle size, the better the sintering and the stronger the strength. The sintering rate of electrolytic copper powder was fater than that of atomized copper powder, but the apparent density and strength of sintered specimens of atomized copper powder were superior, since the initial density of the latter was larger than that of the former.
