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Investigation of compaction of diatoms by die pressing and slip casting method  

Katarzyna Konopka 1Mikołaj Szafran 2Ewa Bobryk 2Anna W. Danelska 2

1. Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering (InMat), Wołoska 141, Warszawa 02-507, Poland
2. Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Noakowskiego 3, Warszawa 00-664, Poland

Abstract

Our introductory investigations were carried out on molding and sintering of diatomite materials. Two different types of diatomite material were used for this purpose – crystalline diatoms (specific surface BET = 1,52 m2/g) and amorphous diatoms (specific surface BET = 8,76 m2/g). The aim of this research was to elaborate a suitable method for obtaining dense sinters with preserved nanoporosity, which is typical for such materials. Two methods of molding were applied –die pressing at the pressure ranges 25 – 50 MPa with usage of different binders and a slip casting in gypsum mold with an array of various deflocculants and organic binders employed. Sophisticated and extraordinarily diversified forms of powder particles are not conducive to its densification. Slip casting made from diatoms reveals significant thixotropy and sedimentation. Moreover, there are also difficulties with powders molding, especially concerning amorphous diatoms. Open porosity and the rate of density were measured for the samples, which were sintered in the temperature range from 1000 to 1400ºC. The microstructure of aforesaid samples was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope.

 

This work was financially supported by Ministry of Science and Higher Education: Project no. N507438834

 

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Related papers

Presentation: Poster at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008, Symposium I, by Katarzyna Konopka
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008

Submitted: 2008-05-14 14:25
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:48