Fabrication of highly microstructure controlled ceramics by novel colloidal processing

Abstract

Highly microstructure controlled ceramics are required for improving their properties. Colloidal processing using fine particles provides this required control mechanism through a well-dispersed suspension or heterocoagulate suspension. As a merit of colloidal processing, the preparation of superplastic zirconia is demonstrated using sub-micronsized powders. Highly microstructure controlled ceramics fabricated by a novel colloidal processing were demonstrated as follows: (i) dense nano-sized zirconia without pressure sintering, (ii) porous ceramics with controlled pore size by hetero-coagulated suspension of ceramics and polymer, and (iii) textured ceramics with feeble magnetic susceptibility by colloidal processing in a high magnetic field.