Patent ID: 7238319
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: C04B

Abstract:
1. A method for fabricating a fired ceramic article, the method comprising: (a) forming a batch mixture of components comprising inorganic ceramic powder materials and organic compounds, the organic compounds having weight loss onset temperatures of varying values, wherein in a plurality of organic compounds, a first organic compound has a first weight loss onset temperature of lower value, and a second and subsequent organic compound has a higher weight loss onset temperature, the batch mixture being capable of yielding a fired ceramic article; (b) intimately blending the components to form a workable and plasticized mixture; (c) shaping the plasticized mixture into a green ceramic structural body and thereafter drying; (d) following drying, heating the green ceramic structural body in a first phase, the heating being done in an oxidizing atmosphere to a temperature and for a time to enable sequential removal of the organic compounds, such that the organic compound with the first weight loss onset temperature being of lowest value is substantially removed prior to the organic compound with the subsequent higher weight loss onset temperature; and (e) further heating the green ceramic structural body in a second phase to a temperature and for a time to achieve the conversion of the green ceramic structural body into a fired ceramic article.