| abstract |
The sol-gel process for forming dense, alumina-base ceramics, the process comprising 1. preparing a dispersion of aluminum oxide monohydrate containing a precursor of a modifying additive in the form of a soluble salt; 2. gelling the dispersion; 3. drying the gel dispersion to form a solid; 4. calcining the solid; and 5. sintering the calcined solid, is improved by adding to the dispersion at least about 10 weight percent, based on the oxide equivalent of the soluble salt precursor, of at least one densification aid selected from the group consisting of alcohols, glycols and polyether compounds having a vaporization point in excess of the temperature at which the dispersion is dried. This improved process is particularly useful for manufacturing abrasive grains. |