Colloidal Processing and Sintering of Fine Oxide Powders Using Zirconium Oxy-Salt as a Dispersant

Abstract

Colloidal processing of fine powders of zirconia, alumina and titania was conducted for obtaining fine-grained microstructures. Well-dispersed aqueous suspensions of the fine powders were prepared by adding appropriate amount of zirconium acetate. The suspensions were characterized by measuring particle size, zeta-potential and rheological properties. Dense green bodies of zirconia, alumina and titania were obtained by slip casting of the suspensions and further CIP treatment. Low-temperature densification was observed and dense and fine-grained sintered bodies were obtained.