An Optimized Composition for Making Dense Fused Silica Bodies from Highly Loaded Slurries Using Egg White and Sucrose

Abstract

Fused silica slurries with a maximum ceramic loading of 70 vol% were prepared using aqueous premixes with egg white (0.5-1.5 vol%) and/or sucrose (5-20 vol%). The egg white and sucrose content in the premix were optimized to obtain a shear-thinning slurry. Observation indicated the existence of an optimum composition (Si(70)_(S+E)(10)_E(10)), for which slurry viscosity was minimum. Thermal analysis confirms the interaction between egg white and sucrose molecules, which influence interparticle interaction and slurry properties. Green samples cast from optimum slurry composition exhibited the highest mechanical properties. Linear drying and sintering shrinkage of samples were 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively.