Preparation of ZTA ceramic by aqueous gelcasting with a low-toxic monomer DMAA

The present work reports the development of aqueous gelcasting of ZTA ceramic with a low-toxicity monomer DMAA. The rheological properties and the gelation behaviors of the slurries for gelcasting were investigated. It was proved that the time available for casting the slurry (idle time) can be controlled by the amounts of initiator. The ZTA green bodies exhibited a mechanical strength as high as 21 MPa. After sintered at 1600 °C for 2 h, the highest bending strength and fracture toughness of the sintered ZTA samples were as high as 643.3 ± 75 MPa and 6.3 ± 0.3 MPa m1/2, respectively. SEM photographs revealed that the green bodies and sintered part had a uniform microstructure. The volume fraction of tetragonal phase zirconia was as high as 90%. Dense ZTA green bodies and ceramic parts with complex shaped were produced through the new gelcasting system.