Cordierite-based glass-ceramics processed by slip casting

In this research work, cordierite-based glass ceramics were prepared by slip casting from slurries with different solids loading. The amount of dispersant imposed different influence on the rheological behaviour of the cordierite–glass suspensions at different solids loading. A shear thinning behaviour was observed in the lower solids loaded suspensions (50 wt.%) with different amounts of dispersant within the whole range of shear rate. As the solids loading increased (60, 70 wt.%), the rheological behaviour of the suspensions gradually changed to shear thickening at higher shear rates. An optimal amount of dispersant for the cordierite–glass suspensions was found, which could lead to green bodies with homogeneous microstructures and to the smallest pore diameters. The sintered bodies prepared by slip casting exhibit higher density and microstructural homogeneity than those obtained by dry pressing.