Colloid and Rheological Property of the Concentrated SiC/Si Suspensions

Gelcasting is a novel forming process through which the ceramics parts with good uniformity and high strength and complex shape can be prepared. Gelcasting has been applied widely in fabrication of various fine ceramics materials with near net shape in recent years. But previous gelcasting adopts micrometer and sub-micrometer powders. In this paper, the Zeta potentials and dispersion of Silicon carbide and Silicon (SiC/Si) powders that particle size is around millimeter grade, the rheological properties of concentrated suspensions of SiC/Si and its gelcasting were discussed in detail. The concentrated suspension of SiC/Si with solid loading up to 72 Vol.% was prepared and uniformal bodies with complex shapes were formed.