| abstract |
A method of making a homogeneous formable mixture involves simultaneously mixing organic binder which can be cellulose ethers, cellulose ether derivatives, and combinations of these, powder material capable of being formed into a body when combined with the organic binder, water-insoluble wax, and vehicle of which at least about 90 wt% is water, at a temperature which is at least as high the temperature at which the wax begins to deform under shear. A method of making a shaped body involves shaping the above-described mixture into a green body, followed by drying and heating the green body at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the product body. Preferably the mixture is extruded at a temperature between room temperature and the melting point of the wax, into a honeycomb. The honeycomb has no voids and a smooth skin. A formable mixture made up of organic binder, powder, and wax as described above, wherein the wax which makes up at least 3 wt.% as a superaddition based on the inorganic solid components in the mixture. |