Drying Behavior of Sol-Gel Derived Al2O3 and Al2O3-SiC Composites

Gel drying is a critical step in the sol-gel synthesis of Al2O3 and Al2O3-SiC composites. Problems exist during the drying stage that affect the monolithic properties of the sintered products. Classical drying theory was applied to the drying behavior of Al2O3 and Al2O3-SiC composites in an effort to optimize the drying process and understand the controlling mechanisms.