ISBN Number:
US5503771AAbstract:
A method for producing a highly loaded, aq. suspension having a pourable viscosity and contg. 20-50 vol.% colloidal ceramic or metal particles is described. A biol. produced polymer dispersant having a high d. of carboxyl functional groups and an av. mol. wt. of ≥1000 is solubilized in H2O in an amt. of <1.0% dry wt. basis of particles. The ceramic or metal particles are then introduced into the soln., and agitated to form a substantially nonagglomerated suspension. The polymer dispersant may be produced by a bacterium grown in situ with the particles. A biol. produced polymer gelling agent that is miscible with the polymer dispersant may be mixed into the suspension, which is then maintained in a nongelled state while being supplied to a mold. The suspension is then exposed to a gel-triggering condition to form a gelled, sinterable article. [on SciFinder(R)]