Dispersion and rheological behaviour of SiC tape casting slurry

The effects of different solvent mixtures and dispersants on non-aqueous suspensions of silicon carbide SiC were investigated by measuring settling rate, sediment height and viscosity. Based on these results, solvents, dispersants and dispersant concentrations were optimised to give the slurry with the lowest settling rate, maximum packing density and minimum viscosity. Tape casting slurry of SiC with shear thinning behaviour was prepared after the addition of other constituents such as plasticisers, binder and homogeniser. Rheological measurements confirmed the shear thinning nature of the tape casting slurry. Green tapes free from visible defects were obtained with 62% solids loading.