Preparation of Complicated SiC Green Bodies via Aqueous Slip Casting

Two domestic silicon carbide powders with different particle size distribution and one petroleum coke powder were blended in proportion and then dispersed in aqueous medium. Green bodies were solidified from these suspensions via conventional slip casting. The effects of pH, solid loading, and the amount of dispersant on the formability and packing ability were evaluated. The results showed that the pH within 9.5-10.5, solid loading of 42vol%, aging time more than 24h, and 0.3wt% of dispersant were optimal. Complicated green bodies with height of 300mm and thickness of 3.5mm were obtained. The corresponding suspension viscosity was 1200mPa.s and the relative packing density was 64.8%. The density is 3.01g.cm(-3) and the flexural strength is 305 +/- 15 MPa after reaction sintering. These results may be attributed to accurately using of dispersant and in-depth study of processing parameter.