PRODUCTION OF TRANSLUCENT ALUMINA CERAMICS BY TAPE CASTING

Abstract

Alumina powders are utilized in many distinct industries such as optoelectronics and fine ceramic composites, electronics, metallurgy. In this study, non-aqueous-based tape casting of alumina was carried out in a non-continuous single blade tape casting machine. A slurry, dependence on the alumina powder in a solvent with additives like binders, , plasticizers and dispersants was cast on a stationary surface. After the green strips were freed, they were sintered to obtain the final desired shape. Hyraulic pressing method was used to optimize the microstructure and increase the density of the alumina green tapes. Layered alumina ceramics were produced at 5 different temperatures by pressureless sintering method (1450°C, 1500°C, 1550°C, 1600°C and 1650°C) for 5 h to observe the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure. Results revealed the sintering conditions for obtaining translucent alumina, with the utilized slurry composition.