Abstract Scope |
Ceramic processing is the foundation of all ceramic manufacturing processes and processing defects are the strength limiting flaws that restrict component performance. For slip casting, the suspension rheology is controlled by five factors: particle-particle interactions, particle concentration, particle size and distribution, particle morphology, and the rheology of the suspension medium. Tape casting appears be a suspension forming technique, but it actually fits more closely with extrusion and vibratory casting, where there are now three factors: water content is now a response dictated by particle packing and the rheology is controlled by the amount of excess liquid in the system. Particle packing is dictated by particle-particle interactions, particle size and distribution, and particle morphology. If the packing efficiency increases the water content necessary for the forming process decreases. Conversely, increasing packing efficiency decreases the water demand. Process windows for tape casting, extrusion, and vibratory casting are defined using Specific Volume Diagrams. |