The role of rheology, zetapotential and radiographical analysis in the slip-casting of silicon nitride for advanced applications

The work detailed in this report describes the methodology involved in producing a component for advanced applications using slip-casting technology. In order to illustrate the versatility of the process, a crucible to be later used for melting superalloys was chosen as the prototype component. For the major part, this paper details the initial work undertaken in developing the slip-casting process. This involved studying the two most important parameters inherent in the slip-casting process; the rheological and zetapotential parameters. Various slip compositions were analysed out of which an optimum slip composition was chosen. The crucible was then slip-cast using this composition. The latter part of the paper describes the use of radiography as a tool for determining the quality of the slip-casting process. (orig.)