In situ coagulation moulding: a new route for high quality, net-shape ceramics

A fast, near-net shape route for the production of advanced ceramic components has been developed that uses carboxylic acid derivatives as coagulants for electrosterically dispersed, high solids content ceramic suspensions. The time dependent in situ hydrolysis of the coagulant D-gulonic-g-lactone progressively destabilises the suspension to form a viscoelastic solid within which the homogeneity of the initial dispersion is maintained. Constraining this hydrolysis reaction within a non-porous mould leads to the formation of green bodies....