Review: aqueous tape casting of ceramic powders

Slurry formulations and processing parameters of the water-based tape casting of ceramic powders are reviewed. Additives include binders, like cellulose ethers, vinyl or acrylic-type polymers; plasticizers, like glycols; and dispersants, like ammonium salts of poly(acrylic acids). Mostly alumina powders have been employed. Hydrophobing of ceramic powders permits the aqueous processing even of water-reactive powders, like aluminium nitride. Non-toxicity and non-inflammability of water-based systems represent an alternative to organic solvent-based ones. Aqueous slurries are, on the other hand, complex multiphase systems, very sensitive to process variations. Statistical design of experiments was used for the improvement of the process.