Research on a deflocculation process of nanoalumina suspension with addition of mono- and oligosaccharides

Aim of project
The aim of the project is to research on applications of mono- and oligosaccharides and the derivative compounds to deflocculation process of nanoalumina suspensions. The other aim is to synthesize a new and effective dispersing agents derived from carbohydrate compounds.

The influence of chemical structure and size of saccharide molecules on the effectiveness of deflocculation process will be carried out. The composition of the mono- and oligosaccharides with other dispersing agents will also be tested.

The research project assumes to use commercially available alumina nanopowder with an average particle size of 20–40 nm as reference material.

The alumina suspensions characterized by the best parameters (low viscosity, high solid loading) will be used to obtain green bodies by slip casting technique. After dying the apparent density and mechanical strength of green bodies will be determined. After sintering process the mechanical strength, the density and the average grain size will be measured. The sintering process supported by microwaves will also be used.

The application of saccharides and derivative compounds as dispersing agents in molding and sintering process of nanoalumina powders should allow to obtain materials with higher density, higher homogeneity and higher mechanical strength than the materials obtained from standard (sub micrometric and micrometric) ceramic powders.

Expected results
The most important results of the project will be:
Obtaining the nanoalumina suspension characterized by low viscosity and maximum solid loadings;
Research on infl uence of chemical structure and amount of selected mono- and oligosaccharide and derivative compounds on properties of samples in green state and after sintering;
Research on recognition of deagglomeration mechanism of nanopowders;
Obtained results can be used in the future to elaborate technologies of receiving ceramic nanomaterials and ceramic inks.