Alumina gelcasting by using HEMA system

A low-toxicity gel system based on the polymerization of low-toxicity 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was successfully developed. In order to obtain high solid loading ceramic slurry with low viscosities, a polyelectrolyte dispersant was selected. The results based on alumina suggested that the polyelectrolyte dispersant was more effective for the new HEMA system than tri-ammonium citrate (TAC), which was widely used for dispersing alumina powders. The green alumina bodies derived through the HEMA exhibited a mechanical strength as high as 18 MPa. SEM photos revealed that the green body also had a high homogeneity. Dense complex-shaped ceramic parts were produced through the new gelcasting system.