Homogeneous functional ceramic components through electrophoretic deposition from stable colloidal suspensions - I. Basic concepts and application to zirconia

Usage of stable suspensions of deagglomerated fine powders is shown to be a prerequisite to take full advantage of the potential of electrophoretic deposition. The method is improved further when starting from suspensions which are additionally sieved through a 20 mu m sieve into a 'cleansed and closed' deposition apparatus. Smooth zirconia tubes with green dimensions of 110 mm length, 0.5-1.5 mm wall thickness, 34 mm outer diameter have been produced under these conditions. The fired tubes had a characteristic strength of sigma(c) = 420 MPa and Weibull modulus m = 15, as calculated from burst pressure of whole tubes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.