# Advanced ceramic processing Source: https://powdchem.com/applications/ceramic-processing/ Page type: Application guide Applications Powder sourcing for forming, sintering and ceramic formulation. Match feedstock chemistry and architecture to the process you will run. [Narrow your material choices]() [Ask about your requirement]() ## Will you press, cast or formulate the powder? The same ceramic chemistry can arrive in forms that require very different preparation. Narrow your material shortlist | Your requirement | Start by comparing | What can change the choice | Explore materials | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You press parts and want a prepared feed | A granulated, binder-containing grade of the chosen ceramic | Binder identity, granule flow and debinding become part of the purchase. Loose powder still needs your preparation step. | [Aluminum oxide powder (Al2O3)]()[3Y-TZP zirconia powder (ZrO2-Y2O3 system)]() | | You cast a tape or prepare a slurry | A dispersible powder matched to the liquid and binder | Granules or an unsuitable treatment can add a dispersion step. Compare viscosity at the same solids content. | [Aluminum oxide powder (Al2O3)]()[Silicon dioxide powder (SiO2)]() | | You develop dielectric compositions | BTO base powder or a formulated MLCC dielectric | Base powder gives you the formulation task; a prepared dielectric needs matching to the electrode and firing route. | [Barium titanate powder (BaTiO3)]()[Strontium titanate powder (SrTiO3)]() | Start with the task closest to yours. The examples identify material requests; a proposed grade still needs to fit your process and evaluation. ## Pressing and sintering Begin with the ceramic system already specified by the part design. Then distinguish loose powder from pressing granules and binder-containing feedstock. ### Materials to explore [Aluminum oxide powder (Al2O3)]() [3Y-TZP zirconia powder (ZrO2-Y2O3 system)]() [Silicon nitride powder (Si3N4)]() [Silicon carbide powder (SiC)]() [Oxide Powders]() [Stabilized Zirconia & Mixed Oxides]() [Nitride Powders]() [Carbide Powders]() ### What changes the comparison Compare phase, particle distribution, granulation and additives against your forming and firing route. [Discuss this task]() ## Slurry preparation and casting A slurry request needs the liquid or binder system as well as the ceramic identity. Dry powder and a ready-made dispersion are different deliverables. ### Materials to explore [Aluminum oxide powder (Al2O3)]() [Silicon dioxide powder (SiO2)]() [Platelet boron nitride powder (BN)]() [Oxide Powders]() [Stabilized Zirconia & Mixed Oxides]() [Thermal & Composite Fillers]() ### What changes the comparison Keep surface treatment, agglomeration and mixing conditions with viscosity or dispersion observations. [Discuss this task]() ## Dielectric and functional ceramic formulation For MLCC work, use the dedicated base-powder and formulated-dielectric paths. For other functional ceramics, keep the composition or dopant ratio explicit. ### Materials to explore [Barium titanate powder (BaTiO3)]() [Strontium titanate powder (SrTiO3)]() [Potassium sodium niobate powder ((K,Na)NbO3)]() [Electronic & Functional Ceramics]() [MLCC Dielectric Powders]() ### What changes the comparison Separate a base chemical specification from a target characteristic that must be evaluated in the device process. [Discuss this task]() ## Other compound and glass systems Use the boride, glass or phosphate identity required by your formulation. Finished ceramics and research powder are separate inquiries. ### Materials to explore [Titanium diboride powder (TiB2)]() [Borosilicate glass powder (SiO2-B2O3 glass system)]() [Hydroxyapatite powder (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2)]() [Boride Powders]() [Glass & Phosphate Ceramics]() ### What changes the comparison Record composition, phase, forming route and the acceptance test for the final part. [Discuss this task]() ## Prepare a useful comparison A reference datasheet or your existing material code is useful. If you are still exploring, describe what you are making and which result needs to change. - Ceramic system, phase and composition basis - Forming and firing route - Particle distribution, additives and impurities - Sample plan and intended acceptance tests [Prepare an application inquiry]()