Effect of acrylic-styrene copolymer chemical structure on the properties of ceramic tapes obtained by tape casting

The results of studies on the effect of the chemical structure of acrylic-s tyrene copolymers on the properties of ceramic tapes from Al2O3 obtained by the tape-casting method are presented. The properties of the emulsions tha t serve as ceramic binders have been modified by insertion of selected amph iphilic macromonomers and acrylic acid into the polymer molecules. These am phiphilic macromonomers, because of the proper ratio of the hydrophilic to hydrophobic fragments, serve as internal plasticizers and modifiers of the adhesion of such binders to the ceramic powder particles. The presence of c arboxylic groups as polymer pendant groups in an optimal amount has an addi tional effect on the ceramic tape density, uniformity, and mechanical prope rties, before and after the sintering process.