Technological Properties of Ceramic Slurries Based on Silicon Carbide with Poly(vinyl alcohol) Addition for Shell Moluds Fabrication in Precision Casting Process

Marcin Małek , Paweł Wiśniewski , Szymańska Joanna , Jarosław Mizera , Krzysztof Kurzydłowski

Abstract

In this work technological properties of ceramic slurries based on silicon carbide powder with solid content 70 wt% were presented. These slurries were prepared for obtaining shell moulds in precision casting of Ni superalloys engine parts. The main binder was dispersion containing nanoalumina particles. Additionally poly(vinyl alcohol) with molecular weight 26000 g/mol as 5 wt% water solution was used as a rheological modifier. To characterize silicon carbide: scanning electron microscopy images, chemical composition, Zeta potential and grain size were studied. Technological properties of ceramic slurries i.e.: plate weight test, viscosity, dynamic viscosity, density and pH were investigated. Properties of silicon carbide based ceramic slurries are very promising and their shell moulds are very perspective for future application in aerospace industry.