| abstract |
A method of manufacturing a shaped ceramic article by hot isostatic pressing comprising the following steps: (a) forming a compact of sinterable ceramic compositions, (b) applying a coating to the compact by vapor deposition of a ceramic composition that does not become vitreous before or during the subsequent isostatic pressing step, and (c) heating and isostatically pressing the coated compacts in an atmosphere that reacts with the coating and/or the compact at pressing temperatures and pressures to cause the compact to approach theoretical density. The method is suitable for forming a fired ceramic compact having a whisker loading in excess of about 12.5 volume percent with substantially isotropic properties due to a substantially random orientation of the whiskers. |