Alliedsignal Inc.

Clifford P Ballard

Anthony J Fanelli

Joan V Burlew

Gary B Marsh

William S Frei

A process for shaping parts from ceramic powder that comprises the steps of (1) forming a concentrated mixture in excess of 40% ceramic solids by volume, the mixture comprising ceramic powder, a gel forming material chosen from the class of polysaccharides known as 'agaroids', and a gel forming material solvent and being formed in a blender that provides a shearing action and is heated to raise the temperature of the mixture to about 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.; and (2) molding the mixture at a temperature sufficient to produce a self-supporting structure comprising the powder and gel. The parts exhibit excellent green strength and are rapidly fired without cracking, distortion or shrinkage problems.

Aqueous process for injection molding ceramic powders at high solids

A ceramic element of a zirconia oxygen sensor is shaped from a powder mixture. The mixture, comprising a ceramic powder having an average particle size less than or equal to 1 micrometer, a gel-forming material and a gel forming material solvent, is molded at a temperature and pressure sufficient to produce the ceramic element having a density of at least 5.5 g/cm.sup.3.

Growing community of inventors

Lebanon, NJ, United States of America

Clifford P Ballard