Freeze Casting of Aqueous Al2O3/Y-TZP Slurries

Freeze casting is a useful forming technique to produce complex-shaped ceramic parts. The colloidal processing stage is an essential step for preparation of freeze casting slurries. In order to optimize freeze casting slurries, several processing additives, such as dispersant, binder, surfactant, and cryo-protectant are usually employed. Dispersion and suspension rheology of aqueous alumina/ zirconia slurries with 55 and 60 vol.% solid loading have been characterized in terms of the effect of organic additives, and the resulting microstructures of the freeze cast green and sintered materials examined.