A strategy to reduce energy usage in ceramic fabrication

TLDR: In this article, the authors investigated low-energy processing techniques for ceramic components and concluded that a decrease in the amount of organic binder is the most effective technique to promote low energy processing, and have successfully developed a novel binder technology.

Abstract: Because of serious global environmental problems, the ceramic industry has been concentrating on the reduction of energy usage during manufacturing. In this project, we have investigated low-energy processing techniques for ceramic components. Our research and development approach was carried out with the goal of realizing new ceramics that can be manufactured using conventional manufacturing processes and equipment at low-cost without significant degradation in material properties. After a careful investigation of possible technologies, we concluded that a decrease in the amount of organic binder is the most effective technique to promote low-energy processing, and have successfully developed a novel binder technology. Our technology and knowledge have contributed to greatly reduce the amount of energy required for ceramic fabrication through a collaborative research project with a private company.