In manufacturing ceramics by solid-state reactions, properties of powders used play an important role in the manufacturing. By the hydrolysis of metal alkoxides, fine powders with highly homogeneous composition can be produced. This enables the production of ultrafine powders with designed composition and structure. A variety of ceramics can be derived from metal alkoxides. Zirconia (ZrO2) powders with various characteristics are prepared by changing hydrolysis conditions and calcination temperatures. Optoelectronic ceramics PLZT with excellent properties are also manufactured. Because powders derived from metal alkoxides bring about the aggregation by dryng, fluidized forms such as paste, slurry and sol are required. Magnetic fluids are produced by dispersing ferromagnetic fine powders derived from metal alkoxides into the solvent. Solgel process is developed in ceramic manufacturing. Metal alkoxides easily form sols. For example, AlOOH sol is obtained and alumina thin film is fabricated. Alkoxide process is expected as a promising method in manufacturing ceramics.
