Covalently connected particles in green bodies fabricated by tape casting

Abstract

A novel approach is proposed to connect ceramic particles by means of organic covalent bonding in the green state. SiO2 particles coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane were covalently bonded upon heating to 100 degrees C, using polycarbodiimide in samples prepared by water-based tape casting. The samples were dried at 100 degrees C for 1 or 6 days and then soaked in water for shape stability and organic dissolution. Infrared measurements showed that organic covalent bonding was complete after drying for 6 days. This sample retained its shape perfectly after the soaking experiment in contrast to a green sample not heat treated at 100 degrees C, which disintegrated very fast upon soaking. Thermogravimetric runs showed that the water-soaked sample lost less weight as compared with samples not water soaked, showing that polymers from the green bodies could be removed without distorting the shape by the organic covalent bonding mechanism.