Application of new low toxic monomers in gelcasting process of alumina powder

The key role in the gelcasting process is played by suitable selection of an organic monomer, which should be able to provide high mechanical strength of the gelled part. Monomers commercially available, e.g. acrylamide, present a lot of disadvantages, such as high toxicy and harmful effect on the environment or they must be used together with an additional cross-linking agent. For these reasons new low toxic, water soluble, environmentally friendly acrylic monomers based on saccharides and glycerol monoacrylate have been synthesized recently and their application in gelcasting process of alumina powder has been studied. They do not need the external cross-linking agent and they provide good mechanical strength and high density of the products.