Temperature induced forming of zirconia from aqueous slurries: mechanism and rheology

Several near-net shape-forming techniques via colloidal process were received a great attention for manufacturing low cost and reliable advanced ceramics. Temperature induced forming is known as a suitable procedure that allows the solidification of aqueous suspension, which produce green parts, with interesting economics and environmental benefits. In the present work, well-dispersed zirconia suspensions in aqueous media were prepared using tri-ammonium citrate (TAC) as dispersant agent. Results of electrokinetics phenomena and rheological properties of the investigated system were used to optimize the content of TAC and to maximize the solid loading. Krieger–Doughertyʹs model was applied to describe the relation between relative viscosity of the dispersion and volume fraction of the solids in this system. Consolidation mechanism of the 40-vol.% zirconia suspensions in aqueous media was studied using temperature induced forming technique. The consolidation conditions were evaluated via measuring of viscoelastic functions of the sample, storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) as a function of temperature at frequency of 10 s−1. To confirm the gel formation, the heights of the moulded samples were measured at different temperatures after keeping the mold in the oven for 14 h at the desired temperature. The obtained green body by this technique was characterized in terms of density and microstructure.