Variation of the microstructure and fracture strength of cold isostatically pressed alumina ceramics with the alteration of dewaxing procedures

Influence of the alteration of CIP and dewaxing procedures on the pore stru cture and the fracture strength of sintered alumina ceramics was examined. Variation of the fracture strength with the process alteration could be exp lained by the difference in distribution of large pore defects determined b y applying the direct observation techniques. Dewaxing, before CIP, varied the strength and fracture behavior of granules and was effective in promoti ng the uniform powder packing during consolidation, resulting in the high s trength of sintered bodies. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.