Analysis of Packed-Particle Rearrangement during Colloidal Ceramic Processing: Gamma-ray Densitometry and a Review of Alternative Methods.

摘要

Electrostatic and steric repulsion forces that arise during colloidal processing of ceramics affect packed-particle arrangements in the powder consolidation stage and may influence microstructure development during sintering. A gamma-ray attenuation apparatus is used for nondestructive in situ measurement of porosity and composition during drying, sintering, and a wide range of consolidation processes. A study is presented which utilizes the apparatus to analyze solution chemistry effects on packed-particle rearrangement during sedimentation of colloidal alpha -Al2 O3. Advantages of gamma-ray densitometry for the analysis of ceramic particle rearrangement are compared with those of alternative methods, such as rheology studies, consolidation kinetic modeling, permeability measurements, and various techniques for analyzing porous media. Gamma-ray densitometers may be used to augment these alternative techniques and assist in the development of more advanced rearrangement models. 73 refs., 2 figs. (ERA citation 14:024786)