Gelation forming of ceramic compacts using agarose

Abstract

The development of a cast forming process for ceramics based on agarose gelation is described and the properties of green and sintered bodies are presented. For this process, a warm alumina slurry containing more than 50 vol.-% solids loading and ∼1 wt-% agarose binder (Al₂O₃ basis) is cast into a relatively cold, non-porous mould, resulting in a tough green body formed by gelation (37°C) of the agarose molecules. The green compacts show uniform density distribution, with precise dimensions and very smooth surfaces. After drying, they can be sintered directly without special binder burn out procedures. Complex ceramic parts with thick and thin cross-sections can be formed. The process is illustrated for the preparation of a turbine rotor component.