Effects of slurry pH on porosity, pore radius distribution, microstructure and sinterability of alumina filter cake

Effects of pH of primary slurries on properties of Alcoa A16 alumina filter cakes have been systemically studied. Lower true green porosity and specific total open pore volume, smaller open pore mode radius and lower population of macro-agglomerated defects in the filter cake are confirmed to be associated with deflocculation of the slurry. The fully deflocculated compact without cracking obtained from the slurry containing PVA, and PEG as well, at pH1.9, achieves a considerably higher sinterability, compared with the flocculated and the isopressed one.