Development of Processing Additive Compositions for Ceramic Suspension Based on the Study of the Physico-Chemical Properties of the Components

Currently, the use of ceramic shells for casting metal melts is a common practice in most machine-building enterprises. The primary method of producing ceramic molds involves investment casting, followed by the removal of the pattern material. The formation of ceramics from a ceramic suspension via a repeated application method necessitates the use of processing additives with a number of physico-chemical properties that ensure the quality of the fabricated shells. Processing additives based on water are characterized by a rather complex composition, including several organic compounds. This results in their compatibility issues and a reduction in the long-term performance under continuous mixing of the ceramic suspension susceptible to sedimentation. Furthermore, the composition of the suspension varies due to uneven removal of components during operation. It is evident that in order to develop an efficient processing additive, it is necessary to carry out an in-depth study of the physico-chemical properties of the components and their combined aqueous solutions, which would allow the selection of components and their concentration to be optimized.