Fabrication of engineering ceramics by injection moulding a suspension with optimum powder properties: part I processing and microstructure

Abstract

A suspension containing a polypropylene-based high-molecular weight organic vehicle and an alumina powder (which best satisfied criteria for successful compounding, compression moulding, removal of organic vehicle and sintering stages, each necessary for the fabrication of the final ceramic shape) was further assessed in this investigation. Test bars were injection moulded from this suspension under various conditions. After removing the organic vehicle, test bars were sintered and the resulting microstructure studied. The mechanical properties of the test bars will be discussed in Part II.