Effect of slurry flocculation on the microstructure of alumina green bodies prepared by slip casting

The effect of slurry flocculation on the microstructure of an alumina green body prepared by slip casting was investigated. Flocculation state was controlled by changing the dispersant concentration. The liquid immersion method and optical microscopy with crossed polarization was used to characterize the green bodies. The particle orientation in the green body was strongly affected by slurry flocculation. The degree of orientation of the particles in the green body produced using the well dispersed and the aggregated slurry was low. On the other hand, a high degree of particle orientation was produced using the flocculated slurry.