CeramiTex™ glass fibers can improve ceramic manufacturing yields

The mechanical properties of unfired cast ceramics are dramatically improved by adding 0.5% CeramiTex(TM) glass fibers to the slip. Improved toughness of the green body is directly related to the aspect ratio. CeramiTex fibers, with an aspect ratio near 200 at 0.5% loading, produce a 10x increase in toughness. Because of flaw-insensitive behavior, the reinforced body is resistant to cracking during drying and subsequent handling. With the addition of fibers, firing shrinkage remains unchanged so that the piece remains in dimensional tolerance. CeramiTex can therefore improve manufacturing yields and allow the production of more complex shapes with minimal effect on the manufacturer's process.