[nanoPost] Starches as temporary aids in processing of ceramic materials

Research Centre Sweden

This research centre has been using starches as temporary aids in processing of ceramic materials for many years. Mainly as fugitive material but also as consolidator for ceramic powder slurries, the latter called starch consolidation as a shaping method developed by the institute. Basically, it relies on the water adsorption (internal removal of water) and swelling of the starch granules at heating that transform a fluid ceramic suspension to a solid body.
It appears very interesting if it is possible to derive starch granules of the size you claiming with similar properties as the conventional. It can be used as temporary binder in various shaping methods (tape casting, slip casting, pressing etc), pore former and possibly as consolidator. The latter should potentially make it possible to avoid or minimize porosity after sintering of the shaped ceramic. Today the size of the granules (depends on the type of starch) always leaves pores, which are impossible to remove.

Currently they do not have any major project working with starch applications but rather minor contract works where the use of starch is central. However, if interesting possibilities can be described and/or demonstrated it should be possible to interest various companies. They can also possibly introduce these starches in ongoing project regarding shaping of ceramics.