Zeta potential modification of ceramic powders using zirconium hydrogel

Zirconium hydrogel has recently been shown to improve the stability of ceramic dispersions of commercial importance for casting ceramic bodies. In this research the colloidal aspects of such dispersions have been investigated. The hydrogel aided both the dispersion and stabilization of ceramic powders in water and behaved as a binder in casting. The addition of the zirconium hydrogel to zirconia, alumina and titania dispersions modified their zeta potentials. This modification has important implications for mixing or blending of different powders when making complex ceramics. This paper discusses the mechanisms that underlie these efrects and explains how an inorganic gel can act as a dispersing aid, binder and sintering aid.