Reliable high strength alumina fabricated by DCC-HVCI using submicron calcium citrate complex

Ceramics with high strength and reliability are highly demanded in engineering applications. In this paper, a modified direct coagulation casting via high valence counter ions (DCC-HVCI) method for alumina using calcium citrate complex assisted by glycerol diacetate was investigated. Calcium citrate complex suspensions were prepared by mixing tri-ammonium citrate and calcium chloride in water. Effect of reaction time on the chelating properties of the prepared suspensions was investigated. Concentrated alumina suspensions with a solid loading of 50 vol% were prepared by mixing the calcium citrate complex suspensions and alumina powder at pH of 10.5. Then the suspensions were coagulated by adding 3-6 vol% glycerol diacetate at temperatures of 40-70 °C for 2-6 h. The compressive strength of the coagulated wet samples is in the range 1.1-2.4 MPa. Alumina ceramics sintered at 1550 °C shows homogeneous microstructures with flexural strength and Weibull modulus of 455±17 MPa and 30, respectively.