摘要:
The invention relates to methods of forming shaped articles from suspensions which include ceramic or metallic powder, or from solutions or suspensions which include one or more pharmaceutical substances or other components. The method comprises the steps of: (a) combining solvent, polymer, cross-linking agent precursor and optional further components and placing into a mould of desired shape; (b) increasing temperature of mould contents to activate cross-linking agent; (c) allowing mould contents to solidify to sufficient extent to remove mould; (d) removing shaped article from the mould.
摘要:
According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a sheet of flexible gelled ceramic and/or metallic containing material, comprising the steps of: (a) combining water, ceramic and/or metallic powder, polymer, plasticiser, water soluble cross-linking agent precursor and optional further components to produce a mixture; (b) applying the mixture to a suitable substrate to form a layer of desired dimensions; (c) exposing the layer to conditions suitable for cross-linking to occur. According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a ceramic and/or metallic component comprising the steps of: (a) combining water, ceramic and/or metallic powder, polymer, plasticiser, water soluble cross-linking agent precursor and optional further components to produce a mixture; (b) applying the mixture to a suitable substrate to form a layer of desired dimensions; (c) exposing the layer to conditions suitable for cross-linking to occur; (d) optionally removing from the substrate a flexible gelled material obtained following step (c); (e) optionally drying the flexible gelled material; (f) processing the flexible gelled material to desired shape; (g) firing flexible gelled material of desired shape to produce a ceramic and/or metallic component. Preferably the ceramic and/or metallic component is a component of a fuel cell, photo-voltaic cell, multi-layered capacitor or other micro-electronic component, prosthetic or surgical devices, refractory equipment, fibre optic device or transmission equipment.