An aqueous gel-casting process for γ-LiAlO2 ceramics

Methyl cellulose (MC) was used as the gelation agent in the gel-casting of γ-LiAlO2 because it could form strong gels during heating. The thermal gelation behavior of the MC solution was studied based on the measurement of its apparent viscosity as a function of temperature. The effects of MC solution concentration and solid loading on the rheological properties of the γ-LiAlO2 slurries were studied systematically. It was found that all the slurries exhibited a shear-thinning behavior, which was considered to be favorable for the casting process. The compressive strength and relative density of the dried γ-LiAlO2 green bodies were measured, and the microstructure of the green and sintered bodies was investigated.