Net-shape manufacture of low-cost ceramic shapes by freeze-gelation

The use of freeze-gelation (or freeze-casting) overcomes many of the famili ar limitations of sol-gel processing and permits the formation of low-cost, crack-free, essentially zero-shrinkage ceramic bodies of complex shape. Th ere are many potential industrial applications for the manufacture of compl ex shapes by the freeze-gelation process. This paper presents the results o f an investigation into the effects of materials and processing parameters on the performance, properties and microstructures of the ceramics produced . In particular, the effects on porosity and flexural strength of the type and composition of sol, filler particle size ranges, and variable freezing conditions, have been investigated.