Extrusion of alumina fibers using zirconia sol as binder

Zirconia sol was used as an extrusion aid for the preparation of alumina fibers. The amount of zirconia sol required for getting an extrudable slurry has been optimised. The only phase present in the dried and sintered fibers is α-Al2O3. Sintering studies showed that a dense microstructure is formed at 1600 °C. SEM micrographs revealed intergranular fracture to be the predominant fracture mode. Tensile strength is the highest for fibers sintered at 1600 °C.