Gelcasting of CRYSTAR(reg sign) silicon carbide ceramics. CRADA final report

摘要

This Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) was undertaken to assess the applicability the gelcasting process for forming ceramic green bodies using Saint-Gobain/Norton Industrial Ceramics Corporation's proprietary CRYSTAR(reg sign) silicon carbide powder. A gelcasting process, specifically tailored to Saint-Gobain/Norton's powder composition, was developed and used successfully to form green bodies for property evaluation. This preliminary evaluation showed that the gelcast material had characteristics and properties comparable to Norton's baseline material. Wafer carrier molds were received from Norton for gelcasting a complex-shaped configuration with CRYSTAR(reg sign) silicon carbide. Gelcasting experiments showed that Norton's standard plaster of paris molds were incompatible with the gelcasting process. Mold surface treatments and the use of alternative castable mold materials were investigated, however, a successful process was not identified. The highest quality parts were cast in either glass or aluminum molds.