Optimisation of performance of dispersants in aqueous titanium slips

Abstract

Slip casting is a well-established ceramic casting technique used for large scale fabrication of ceramic products with complex shapes. A homogenous slip with a desired level of stability is required, which is controlled using a dispersant. This paper describes the selection and optimisation of various dispersants used to produce Ti powder slips. A consideration of the effect of concentration and pH of the solvent on the dispersion of anionic polyelectrolyte dispersants (Dispex N-40, Synthecol SD375 & Dolapix CE64) was examined by measuring the sedimentation height and rate, the streaming potential and the slip viscosity. It was found that Dolapix CE64 showed the best deflocculating effect at 0.3dw.% with pH of 7. In particular, the measurements on Dolapix CE64 gave consistent results. This indicated that Dolapix CE64 is an effective dispersant in the preparation of a titanium slip.