A novel casting forming for ceramics by gelatine and enzyme catalysis

A new kind of gelation process for forming a ceramic green body is discusse d. The forming method is based on a process in which gelatine, enzyme (urea se) and urea are used. Urea is employed to prevent attraction between gelat ine molecules when the dissolved hot gelatine solution cools down for prepa ring a well-dispersed suspension hv ball milling and degassing at ambient c onditions. After urease is added into the suspension, gelatine molecules at tract each other and form three-dimensional network through hydrogen bondin g due to urea decomposition by urease. Slurry containing alumina and gelati n could be consolidated in situ by the above gelation process at room tempe rature. A green body with homogeneous microstructure and smooth surface was obtained. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.