Ceramics

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of binders may be used to make a slurry of a ceramic material. The slurry may then be shaped to a green part of conventional techniques such as tape casting. The slurry may be spray dried to give a free flowing powder which may be formed by dry pressing, roll compac­ tion or other similar techniques. The tensile strength of the green part may be increased by subjecting the green part to an energy treatment such as heat or irradiation e.g. ultra­ violet (UV), X-rays and electron beams.

Description: There are a number of fields of application for ceramics including traditional ceramics such as pottery and fine china ; refractories ; industrial ceramics such as abrasives and grinding wheels and technical ceramics. Technical ceramics are ceramics having a high purity. They are used in a number of applications including substrates for electrical circuits and mechanical parts. There are several major processes currently used in manufacturing ceramics. In several of these processes, a liquid based ceramic composition containing a binder is dried. The dried composition is then subjected to a compaction step such as dry pressing, roll compaction or injection molding. In fluid compositions which are to be dried, the liquid phase has generally been water if a water soluble binder has been used or a volatile organic solvent for water insoluble binders. These organic solvents are relatively expensive ; should not be released to the environment and may present a fire hazard. Polyvinylbutyral in a solvent is typical of such systems and is used in tape casting. Polyvinylalcohol has been used in aqueous based binder systems for dry pressing. Unfortunately, polyvinylalcohol is hygroscopic and spray dried ceramic particles coated with polyvinylalcohol tend to pick up moisture from the environment, thus reducing the free flowing nature of the ceramic powder. United States Patent 3,472,803 issued October 14, 1969 assigned to Coming Glass Works discloses a ceramic composition for slip casting which comprises 70 to 83 percent of a ceramic material ; 4 to 12 percent of a binder which is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene. Preferably the compound contains a sodium salt of a polyacrylic acid optionally in combination with triethanol amine. United States Patent 3,991,029 issued November 9, 1976 assigned to E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company discloses a ceramic compound for tape casting comprising an internally plasticized thermosetting resin. The polymers contain a self crosslinking monomer selected from glycidyl methacrylate and the n-methylol amides of acrylic or methacrylic acid. Chemical Abstract 102 : 11330h of Japanese Kokai 59,121,152 [84,121,152] discloses the use of an aqueous based ceramic slip containing from 5 to 20 parts by weight of a copolymer of one or more of acrylic and methacrylic acid and one or more of C₁₋₁₈ mono or polyhydric alcohol esters of (meth)acrylic acid in a weight ratio of 50 : 50 to 99 : 1. The esters have a molecular weight of from 20,000 to 500,000 and are used in conjunction with an organic plasticizer, such as di-butyl phthalate. U.S. Patent 4,329,271 issued May 11, 1982 to GTE Products Corporation disclosed a process for tape casting using water soluble polymers. The present invention contemplates the use of polymer emulsions in water. Derwent Accession No. 85-192624/32, an abstract of Japanese Kokai 60/118676 discloses a hot isostatic pressing of a uniform mixture of from 5 to 300 parts by volume of a thermoplastic material such as wax or polyethylene and 100 parts by volume of a ceramic. The soft binder permits the deformation of the ceramic mixture under a fluid pressure medium for the shaping of complex parts. The present invention seeks to provide a process for improving the green fracture strength of ceramic parts. The present invention provides a process for increasing the green fracture strength of a ceramic part, characterised by: i) forming an aqueous based ceramic composition having at least 50 weight percent of solids comprising at least 65 weight percent of a mixture of from 100 to 85 weight percent of ceramic particles, and 0 to 15 weight percent of a flux material ; a sufficient amount of an aqueous emulsion of a polymeric binder which has a Tg of from -100 to 120°C, to provide from 0.5 to 35 weight percent of said binder and optionally up to 5 weight percent of a dispersing agent ; ii) drying and pressing said aqueous based ceramic composition to form a green ceramic part ; and iii) subjecting said green part to one or more energy treatments selected from electron beam irradiation, x-ray irradiation, ultraviolet irradiation, a heat treatment from 50 to 200°C, or a combination of heat and pressure for a period of time sufficient to increase the green fracture strength of said green ceramic part. Compaction processes such as dry pressing or roll compacting can be used. In accordance with the present invention it is preferable to carry out the process of the present invention wherein said drying comprises spray drying said aqueous based ceramic composition to produce a free flowing particulate ceramic material ; and subjecting said particulate ceramic material to a compaction step at a pressure of from 2500 to 30,000 psi (175.77 to 2109.2 kg/cm²) to a density of at least 50 percent theoretical density and said energy treatment comprises a heat treatment at from 50 to 200°C. The ceramic materials useful in the present invention include those known in the industry and not susceptible to derogatory chemical reaction, under the process conditions of this invention. Such ceramics are e.g. non reactive oxides, nitrides and carbides. Examples of such ceramics are alumina, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, silica, barium titanate ; and mixtures thereof. Silicates are e.g. glass silicates and aluminum silicates. Preferably the ceramic material has a small particle size in the range from 0.5 to 12 microns. Depending on the end use of the ceramic up to 10 percent preferably 0.001 to 5 percent, preferably 0.05 to 1 percent, of the ceramic may be replaced with a flux material or another ceramic such as borides or oxides of lead, iron or tin, or another ceramic such as magnesium oxide. In preparing the fluid ceramic composition the ceramic may be wet or dry milled for a period of time sufficient to break up and separate agglomerated material but not further reduce particle size. The length of the milling will depend upon the time it takes to get to the desired particle size. Some times for wet milling are up to 24 hours, preferably from 4 to 18 hours. Wet milling provides a uniform dispersion. In some cases excessive milling may be detrimental to the final ceramic composition. The ceramic is dispersed in water in an amount to provide a ceramic content of not less than 50 weight percent in the final composition. Generally 75 to 85 parts by weight of ceramic are dispersed in from 25 to 15 parts by weight of water. If the ceramic is dry milled an aqueous dispersion of the ceramic is formulated to give the solids content described above. A dispersing agent may be added to the ceramic/water slurry to prevent a reagglomeration of ceramic particles and to form a uniform dispersion. The type and level of dispersing agent should be selected so as not to have a negative impact on the process. Anionic or non ionic dispersing agents may be used with anionic aqueous emulsions of polymeric binder. Similarly nonionic or cationic dispersing agents may be used with cationic aqueous emulsions of polymeric binder. Amphoteric surfactants may be used with both anionic and cationic emulsions. Many useful dispersing agents are listed in McCutcheons' Functional Materials published annually by McCutcheon Division of MC Publishing Co. A particularly useful class of dispersing agents are the poly electrolytes such as Darvan 7 (Trademark of R.T. Vanderbilt Co.). In the preparation of ceramics for use in electronic applications it is believed to be desirable to use a dispersing agent which does not contain high amounts of metallic ions ; such dispersing agents include styrene maleic anhydride ; Daxad 32 an ammonium salt of a carboxylated polyelectrolyte (Trademark of W.R. Grace and Co.) and Darvan C (a trademark of R.T. Vanderbilt Co.). If present, the dispersing agent is preferably used in the minimum amount to be effective. Generally the dispersant may be used in amounts up to 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the final ceramic compound. Preferably the dispersant is used in amounts of less than 2 weight percent based on the final ceramic composition. After the formation of the ceramic and water dispersion the aqueous emulsions of the polymeric binder is added to it. Preferably the binder is added as a medium solids emulsion containing from 30 to 60 percent polymer. The binder is added in an amount so that the solids level of the resulting composition is not less than 50 percent, preferably in the range 65 to 85 percent. The binders of the present invention are added in the form of an emulsion in water. In selecting a binder the isoelectric point and the surface charge of the ceramic material should be considered. The aqueous emulsion of polymeric binder should not coagulate to any appreciable extent under the conditions of use. In some cases it may be necessary to buffer the ceramic slurry. If a buffer is necessary care should be taken to avoid agents which will contribute undesirable ions to the ceramic slurry. The binder is generally present in the ceramic compound in an amount not greater than 50, preferably less than 35, percent by weight calculated as dry parts of polymer on dry parts of ceramic material. In dry pressing the binder is usually present in an amount of less than 6 weight percent of the dried ceramic composition, preferably from 1 to 3 weight percent. For other applications such as injection molding or roll compaction, the binder content may be as high as 50 weight percent, typically 25 to 40, preferably less than 35, weight percent, for injection molding and isostatic pressing and 5 to 15 weight percent for roll compaction. Preferably the polymers of the present invention are polymers which are film forming at or below 40°C, preferably below room temperature. The polymers should be capable of deformation under pressure and capable of crosslinking of reacting with a crosslinking agent if present upon further energy inputting treatment such as heating, electron beam, ultraviolet light, x-ray, irradiation, etc. Some polymers in accordance with the present invention may be generally characterized as polymers of esters induding acrytates, SBR type polymers, ethylene vinyl acetates, NBR's, conjugated diolefins and copolymers or homopolymers of vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride copolymers of ethylene and vinylidene chloride, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl chloride and homopolymers of vinyl aromatics polymers. The polymers may be in the form of an aqueous emulsion containing up to 70 percent by weight of polymer. Commercially available emulsions of polymers in water generally have a polymeric content from 45 to 60 percent. The polymers may have a Tg from - 100 to + 120, preferably from -20 to +40°C. For polymers with a relatively high Tg it may be necessary to include a conventional external plasticizer. Some esters are polymers comprising: at least about 50, preferably at least 90, weight percent of one or more C₁₋₆ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl esters of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or a half ester of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid ; up to 45 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomers which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical ; C₃₋₆ alkenyl nitriles and C₃₋₈ alkenyl or hydroxy alkenyl esters of a C₁₋₈ saturated carboxylic acid ; and optionally up to a total of 20 preferably less than 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. The amount of ethylenically unsaturated acid should be chosen to give the required rheology properties in the ceramic dispersion. At high pH's highly carboxylated latices tend to swell and are subject to an upward drift in viscosity. A method for controlling this type of viscosity drift by incorporating from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight based in the weight of tie polymer of a low molecular weight (100 to 5000) C₂₋₄ alkylene glycol is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,474,919 issued October 2, 1985 to Polysar Limited. Preferred C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated acids are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and itaconic acid. Some esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, pentyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, pentyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and other hydroxy alkyl homologues of the foregoing esters. Homologues of other C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated non carboxylic acids or half esters of dicarboxylic acids are also useful. Some amides are acrylamide, methacrylamide, N -methylol acrylamide, N -methylol methacrylamide. Preferably the polymer contains from about 0.5 to 2.5 weight percent of these amides if they are present. Some vinyl aromatic polymers are styrene, and alpha methyl styrene. Preferably the ester polymers have a Tg from -30 to +30°C most preferably from -10 to 25°C. Some alkenyl and hydroxy alkenyl esters of C₁₋₈ saturated carboxylic acids are the vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate. These esters may also be referred to as esters of non addition polymerizable carboxylic acids. A particular useful class of acrylate polymers comprises : from 95 to 50, preferably 60 to 80, weight percent of one or more C₁₋₈ alkyl or hydroxyl alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid ; from 1 to 45 preferably 5 to 40 weight percent of a monomer selected from C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomers which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical and a C₃₋₆ alkenyl nitrile ; from 0.5 to 5 weight percent of one or more C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and optionally up to 10, preferably 5, weight percent of one or more amides of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, which amide may be unsubstituted or substituted at the carbon atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. Some esters of acrylic and methacrylic have been listed above under the description of acrylic polymers. Vinyl aromatics are preferred monomers in this polymers group. The vinyl aromatic monomers have been discussed above. Some alkenyl nitriles are acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile and nitriles of higher ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids. Some ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, fumanic acid and itaconic acid. Preferably the acids are present in an amount from 0.5 to 3 weight percent of the binder. If present the amide of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids is preferably in an amount from 0,5 to 3 weight percent of the binder. Some amides have been discussed above. Preferably the acrylate polymers have a Tg from -20 to 35°C. The polymers of the SBR type have a Tg from -55 to 60°C, preferably from -50 to 40°C. The polymers comprise from 20 to 60, preferably 20 to 40 weight percent of a C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomer which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical ; from 80 to 40, preferably from 80 to 60 weight percent of one or more C₄₋₆ conjugated diolefin which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a chlorine atom ; and optionally from 0.5 to 10 preferably from 1.5 to 5 weight percent of one or more C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and optional up to 5 preferably from 0.5 to 3 weight percent of the polymer of an amide of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid which amide may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. Some vinyl aromatic monomers have been discussed above. Some C₄₋₆ conjugated diolefins are butadiene and isoprene. Some C₃₋₆ unsaturated carboxylic acids and amide derivatives thereof have been discussed above. The polymer may be a co- or ter-polymer of an alpha olefin and a vinyl ester type monomer or vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride. Preferably the polymer comprises : from 1 to 25 preferably from 5 to 20 weight percent of one or more C₂₋₃ alpha olefins ; from 65 to 99 preferably from 60 to 80 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated ester of a C₁₋₆ non addition polymerizable carboxylic acid, vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and C₁₋₄ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl esters of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; amides of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid which amide may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals ; and C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes. If present, the acid is used in an amount from 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the polymer. If the amide is present it is also preferred to be used in an amount from 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the polymer. Preferably the polymer will have a Tg from about -20 to 40°C preferably from -20 to 25°C. Some ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and amides thereof have been discussed above. Some olefins are ethylene and propylene. Some unsaturated esters of non addition polymerizable saturated acids are vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate and vinyl formate. The polymer may be a nitrile rubber polymer. The polymer may comprise : from 15 to 50, preferably from 20 to 40 weight percent of a C₃₋₆ alkenyl nitrile ; from 85 to 50 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomers which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical ; C₄₋₆ conjugated diolefins ; and C₁₋₄ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl ester of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. Preferably the polymer comprises 20 to 40 weight percent of an alkenyl nitrile from 80 to 60 weight percent of a C₄₋₆ conjugated diolefin and optionally up to 10 percent of styrene or a carboxylic acid monomer. Some monomers have been described above. Generally, the nitriles have a Tg from -50 to +40°C. Preferably the polymers have a Tg from -20°C to +40°C. Some polymers may be homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride. Homopolymers of vinyl chloride are useful. It is also possible to use a copolymer of vinyl chloride and a C₃₋₆ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl ester of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid in a weight ratio from 25 : 75 to 75 : 25 and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl radicals. The homopolymers and copolymers predominantly of the vinyl aromatic monomers are also suitable in the present invention. Some polymers comprise at least 80 percent of a C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomer which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; C₁₋₄ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl esters of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. Some monomers have been identified above. As used in this specification the term polymeric binder is intended to include polymer systems which may contain an external plasticizer. Most of the polymers of the present invention are soft enough not to require the presence of a plasticizer. Some of the higher Tg acrylates, PVC's, and homopolymers of aromatic monomers may require plasticizers. Some plasticizers are esters such as dioctyl phthalate and the aromatic phosphates. It is known that the molecular weight distribution of the polymer will affect its adhesive properties. The binder may be as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,508,864 issued April 2, 1985 to Polysar Limited, with a molecular weight distribution so that from 20 to 55 percent of the binder has a molecular weight greater than 320,000. The methods for controlling the molecular weight of a polymer are well known in the art and do not form part of the teaching of the present application. One suitable method for controlling the molecular weight distribution of acrylate polymers is discussed in U.S. Patent 3,732,139 issued May 8, 1973 to Johnson and Johnson. From packing theory, it is known that the particle size distribution of polymer particles in a latex will affect the solids content and rheology of the latex and compounds based on the latex. The particle size distribution of the polymer also effects the adhesion and binding power of the polymer. The particle size of tie polymer in the latex should be selected on the basis of the particle size of the ceramic material and the required rheology of the ceramic slurry. One useful particle size distribution in high solids compositions is such that from 65 to 85 weight percent of the polymer particles have a size from 170 to 300 nm (1700 to 300A), preferably from 120 to 180 nm (1200 to 1800 A), and from 35 to 25 weigh percent of the polymer particles have a particle size from 30 to 100 nm (300 to 1000 A), preferably from 45 to 65 nm (450 to 650 A). A process for obtaining such a particle size distribution is disclosed in British Patent Specification 2,138,830 in the name of Polysar Limited. Depending on the green fracture strength required, the fluid ceramic composition of tie present invention may include a crosslinking agent. There are many types of these agents available e.g. sulphur and sulphur containing organic compounds such as carbamyls carbamates and sulfenamides ; metal oxides such as zinc oxide or lead oxide ; diamines or polyamines such as alkylene diamines e.g. ethylene diamine or hexamethylene diamine, epoxides or polyhydric alcohols such as 1,2,3,4 diepoxide butane, and 3,4 epoxy-6-methyl cyclohexyl methyl 3-4 epoxy-6-methyl cyclohexane carboxylate ; diisocyanates such as p-phenylene diisocyane. Functional groups may be combined in one crosslinking agent such as a diamine and a sulphur containing compounds. In selecting a crosslinking agent care must be taken to ensure that the treatments applied to the ceramic composition prior to the formation of the green part will not result in significant crosslinking which will have a negative effect on the adhesion and binding characteristics of the polymer. While metal compounds are inappropriate in circumstances where the purity of the ceramic is important, in other cases metal ions such as zinc oxide or magnesium oxide may serve a dual purpose of doping the ceramic and crosslinking the binder. The drying process of the ceramic composition may be drying and granulating ; preferably this is done by spray drying. These procedures are well known in the art. Typical air inlet temperatures in spray dryers are in the range 100 to 200°C preferably 150°C. Air exit temperatures are lower in the range 80 to 100°C respectively. The residence time in the spray drying is short in the order of seconds, preferably less than 10 seconds, most preferably less than 5 seconds. Alternately, the ceramic slurry may be dried by a conventional means and then granulated. The granular ceramic material should be sieved to a uniform small particle size. The free flowing dried ceramic composition is then subject to compaction and final treatment. In press molding the granular material is placed in the mold and compacted at pressures e.g. from 2500 to 30,000 psi (175.77 to 2109.21 kg/cm²) preferably from 5 to 25,000 psi (0.35 to 1757.67 kg/cm²). In roll compaction the granular ceramic passes through compaction rolls. In the process of the prior art the green part was stored and then fired at a convenient later date. In the process of the present invention the green ceramic part is subject to an energy treatment which will improve the green fracture strength of the part. The total energy input into the entire process must be considered in relation to the mass of polymer and its Tg, and the efficiency of the energy input in the last step of the process. Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed the improvement in green fracture strength may be a result of the total energy input of spray drying ; compaction and/or the additional step such as heat, electron beam or x-ray radiation, ultraviolet light. The total energy input should be controlled so that only after formation of the green part is the green fracture strength of the part maximized. The green part may be subjected to a heat treatment. The heat treatment should be sufficient to increase the green fracture strength of the part. This will depend on the time and temperature of the heat treatment. Some heat treatments are at temperatures from 50 to 200°C, preferably from 100 to 150°C. For relatively small parts, the heat treatment may be carried out for less than 30 minutes. The higher the temperature the shorter the heat treatment. With large masses of ceramic material a longer heat treatment may be required. The effectiveness of the heat treatment may be tested by measuring the fracture strength of the green ceramic part before and after heat treatment. For irradiation the dosage and type of irradiation will depend on the amount of polymer and the mass of the ceramic. Preferred irradiation techniques include electron beam, and x-ray irradiation. In thin films ultraviolet light may be sufficient to achieve the required green fracture strength. In some cases the ultra violet light will not quickly cause an increase in green fracture strength. In such cases the ceramic composition may include small amounts of catalysts which are activated under UV light such as the benzoin ether. These compounds may be benzoin allyl ether and benzoin C₃₋₅ alkyl ethers. In the formation of the green part the green density of the ceramic material should be at least 50 percent, preferably at least 55 percent of the theoretical density of the ceramic. It should be noted that it is desirable to achieve a green density as high as possible in the ceramic part as a density variation of 1 or 2 percent in the green part may cause a variation in the density and/or the uniformity of the sintered product. Without being bound by theory it is believed that the Tg of the polymer is significant. Higher Tg polymers give higher green strength but are more difficult to deform in the mold. The free flowing granular powder may also be subject to an injection molding process. The powder and ceramic mixture may be extruded through an extruder into a mold. In the injection molding process the ceramic is molded and may be subject to a heat treatment concurrently. Hot isostatic pressing may also be used to form a green part from the free flowing granular powder. In roll compaction and dry pressing the compaction is generally at relatively low temperatures, usually less than 50°C preferably about room temperature. As noted above, the compaction step and the heat treatment may be carried out concurrently. The heat treatment may be carried out at temperatures from 50 to 200°C. The heat treatment will depend upon the size of the ceramic part being treated. With relatively small parts, the heat treatment may be from 3 to 20 minutes. With larger parts, the heat treatment may be longer. Care must be taken not to subject the green part to an excessive heat treatment. Prolonged heating or heating to too high a temperature or prolonged irradiation may cause polymer degradation and a loss of green strength. This loss of strength can, to a reasonable extent, be guarded against by incorporating an antioxidant into the fluid ceramic composition. Care should be taken in the amount and type of antioxidant used, if any, as this may increase the heat treatment required to "burn out" the binder and/or interfere with the improvements in green fracture strength. It is best to test the ceramic compositions by spray drying them then pressing pellets from the powder and subjecting them to various heat or irradiation treatments to determine optimum composition and process conditions to be used. The resulting green part is then fired. Firing will affect the final density of the ceramic. Generally firing for a longer time or at higher temperatures tends to produce a ceramic with a final density closer to theoretical density. Firing conditions will vary depending on the ceramic. For alumina typical firing conditions are from 1300 to 1550°C for from 2 to 5 hours, preferably 2 to 3 hours. The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit it. In the examples unless otherwise indicated the parts are parts by weight. Example 1 A master batch slurry was prepared using Reynolds calcined alumina RC-HP DBM alumina (trademark) containing 0.050 wt. percent of magnesium oxide as a fluxing aid. The slurry composition comprised : The master batch was charged to a 5,14 l (one gallon) milling crock filled to 50 percent of its volume with 1.2 cm ceramic balls, and milled for 18 hours. The milled master batch was a smooth dispersed slurry and was recovered through a 325 mesh screen. The viscosity was 70 Cp and the pH was 9.2. To 96.8 grams of master batch slurry was added a sufficient amount of the following binders as an emulsion having a 40 percent solids content to give 3 percent binder by dry weight based on the ceramic. The binder emulsions are generally commercially available at more than 40 percent solids but are diluted to 40 percent solids for mixing. The resulting composition was placed in a jar, which was then placed on its side and agitated vigorously on a table shaker for 1 hour. The slurry was then spread on a Teflon (trademark) sheet and dried overnight at room temperature. The dry material was then granulated to pass through a - 30 to + 100 Tyler mesh. The latices used in the experiments were as follows : The granules were then subjected to various treatments. Tie granules were dry pressed to form a pellet at compaction pressures of 5, 10, 15, and 20 k psi (351.5, 703.1. 1054.6, 1406,1 kg/cm²). This served as a control. The fracture strength of the pellets was then measured in psi. The procedure used was a diametral compression test essentially as outlined in Determination of Tablet Strength Diametral Compression Test, J.M. Newton, Sci. 59(5) 641 (1970). The control was repeated except that the green part was subject to a heat treatment at a temperature of 150°C from 2.5 to 10 minutes. The granules were also subject to a similar heat treatment prior to dry pressing. The tensile strength of the pellet from the preheated granules were also tested. The data for these experiments are in Tables II to Table XI. In the drawings Figures I to X are graphs respectively of the data in Tables II to XI respectively. On the graphs the bars show the percent change and not the value of the fracture strength of the pellet The preheat treatment of the granules results in a lower fracture strength and also a lower green density. In Tables II-V and XI, the heat treatment was conducted for three periods of time. In Tables VI to X the heat treatment was conducted once for 5 minutes. Example II A slurry was prepared as described above with POLYSAR latex AL-611 except that the amount of binder was 25 parts by dry weight per 100 parts by weight of Alumina. The ceramic powder was prepared as described above and pellets were compacted at two pressures ; 5 and 20 kpsi. The pellets were tested for green fracture strength without a heat treatment and with a 5 min. heat treatment at 150°C. The results are presented in Table XII. Example III Four slurries were prepared as described above. The composition of the slurry in parts by dry weight was The binders were POLYSAR Latex AL-611 and 1138. The slurry was dried and hand granulated to pass through - 30 to + 100 Tyler mesh and pellets were prepared under a compaction pressure of 10,000 psi (703.1 kg/cm²). One set of pellets was subjected to heat treatment for 15 minutes at 150°C. The pellets were then subjected to a crush test to determine the green fracture strength of the pellets. The results are reported in Table XIII. The present invention includes any embodiment of the present invention, e.g. as indicated above and below. The slurry may be spray dried to give a free flowing powder which may be formed by dry pressing, roll compaction or other similar techniques. The tensile strength of the green part is increased by subjecting the green part to an energy treatment such as heat or irradiation e.g. ultraviolet (UV), X-rays and electron beams.

Claims: A process for increasing the green fracture strength of a ceramic part, characterised by : i) forming an aqueous based ceramic composition having at least 50 weight percent of solids comprising at least 65 weight percent of a mixture of from 100 to 85 weight percent of ceramic particles, and 0 to 15 weight percent of a flux material ; a sufficient amount of an aqueous emulsion of a polymeric binder which has a Tg of from -100 to 120°C, to provide from 0.5 to 35 weight percent of said binder and optionally up to 5 weight percent of a dispersing agent ; ii) drying and pressing said aqueous based ceramic composition to form a green ceramic part ; and iii) subjecting said green part to one or more energy treatments selected from electron beam irradiation, x-ray or ultraviolet irradiation, a heat treatment from 50 to 200°C or a combination of heat and pressure treatment, for a period of time sufficient to increase the green fracture strength of said green ceramic part. A process according to claim 1, characterised by said binder comprises a polymer selected from : i) polymers comprising at least 60 weight percent of one or more C₁₋₆ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl esters of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or a half esters of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid ; up to 40 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomers which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical and C₃₋₆ alkenyl nitriles ; and C₃₋₈ alkenyl or hydroxy alkenyl esters of a C₁₋₈ saturated carboxylic acid and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals ; ii) polymers comprising : from 20 to 60 weight percent of a C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomer which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl radical from 80 to 40 weight percent of one or more C₄₋₆ conjugated diolefins which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a chlorine atom ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; C₁₋₄ alkyl and hydroxy alkyl esters of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. iii) polymers comprising : i) from about 1 to 25 weight percent of one more C₂₋₃ alpha olefins ; from about 65 to 99 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated ester of a C₁₋₆ non addition polymerizable carboxylic acid, vinyl chloride, and vinylidene chloride ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; C₁₋₄ alkyl and hydroxy alkyl esters of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. iv) polymers comprising homopolymers of vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride ; v) polymers comprising : from 15 to 50 weight percent of a C₃₋₆ alkenyl nitrile ; from 75 to 50 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from : C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomers which may unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical ; C₄₋₆ conjugated diolefins ; and C₁₋₄ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl esters of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl radicals. vi) polymers of one or more monomers selected from C₄₋₆ conjugated diolefins ; and vii) copolymers of from 75 to 25 weight percent vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride and one or more monomers selected from 25 to 75 weight percent of C₃₋₆ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl esters of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitroyen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl radicals. viii) a polymer comprising at least about 80 percent of a C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomer which may be unsubstituted or sunstituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆, ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; C₁₋₄ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl esters of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl radicals. A process according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by said drying comprises spray drying said aqueous based ceramic composition to produce a free flowing particulate ceramic material ; and subjecting said particulate ceramic material to a compaction step at a pressure of from 2500 to 30,000 psi (175.8 to 2109.2 kg/cm²) to a density of at least 50 percent theoretical density and said energy treatment comprises a heat treatment at from 50 to 200°C. A process according to claims 1 to 3, characterised by ceramic material has a particle size from 0.5 to 12 microns and is selected from alumina, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, silica, barium titanate and mixtures thereof. A process according to claims 1 to 4, characterised by latex has a bimodal particle size distribution so that from 65 to 85 weight percent of the particles have a size from 170 to 300 nm (1700 to 3000 A) and 35 to 15 weight percent of the particles have a size from 30 to 100 nm (300 to 1000 A). A process according to claims 1 to 5, characterised by said dispersing agent is present in an amount of less than 2 weight percent based on the ceramic composition and is a carboxylated polyelectrolyte. A process according to claims 1 to 6, characterised by said compaction is carried out by a process selected from dry pressing, roll compaction and hot isostatic pressing. A process according to claims 1 to 7, characterised by said binder is present in an amount from 0.5 to 6 weight percent based on the dry weight of the ceramic material and is a polymer having a Tg from -20 to +35°C comprising at least 90 percent of one or more monomers selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl radicals. A process according to claims 1 to 8, characterised by said binder is present in an amount from 0.5 to 6 weight percent based on the dry weight of the ceramic material and is a styrene acrylate polymer comprising: from 50 to 95 weight percent of one or more C₃₋₅ alkyl or hydroxy alkyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid ; from 5 to 40 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₈₋₁₂ vinyl aromatic monomers which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkyl radical ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl radicals. A process according to claims 1 to 8, characterised by said binder is present in an amount from 0.5 to 6 weight percent based on the dry weight of the ceramic material and is a polymer comprising : from 1 to 25 weight percent of one or more C₂₋₃ alpha olefins ; from 65 to 99 weight percent of a C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated ester of a C₁₋₆ non addition polymerizable carboxylic acid ; and optionally up to a total of 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids ; C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes ; and amides of C₃₋₆ ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids which amides may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by up to two radicals selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl radicals and C₁₋₄ hydroxy alkyl radicals. A green ceramic part produced according to claims 1 to 10.

Inventors: GURAK NUR RECEP, JOSTY PETER LYN, RUSSELL JAMES POWELL, THOMPSON RONALD JAMES, XANTHOPOULO VALENTINO GEORGE, GURAK, NUR RECEP, JOSTY, PETER LYN, RUSSELL, JAMES POWELL, THOMPSON, RONALD JAMES, XANTHOPOULO, VALENTINO GEORGE
Applicants: BASF AG, BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Application year: 1987
Main classification: C04B35
IPC codes: C09J11, C04B35