Slip casting alumina with Na-CMC

Slip casting as a forming method for engineering ceramics was investigated using sodium carboxymethylcellulose as a binder. Four slip parameters were considered: solids loading, milling time, aging time and electrolyte tolerance. For each of the four parameters, the effects of variations on the range of slip properties were assessed which included viscosity, thixotropy, particle size distribution, casting rate and linear drying shrinkage. Solids loading had significant effects on thixotropy and negligible effects on shrinkage. Rheological and casting properties occurred for moderately short milling times. Thixotropy significantly dropped after the first two days of aging. Electrolyte tolerance was few magnitudes higher than any other water sources.