Barron 9613068 The traditional methods for alumina synthesis and fabrication are traditional ceramic methods and sol-gel, both of which have serious environmental impacts. The objective of this research project is to develop environmentally-benign processing for the fabrication of alumina ceramics. The research is focused on the following tasks: (1) design of an alternative synthesis pathway to alumina ceramics which does not utilize toxic reagents or solvents; (2) applying the new materials as alternatives to present technology to prevent or reduce environmental harm; and (3) applying the new materials and processes to the development of a cost effective method for the highly efficient pollution prevention and resource recovery. The scope of the project includes fundamental research into aqueous processing of alumina-precursors, their processing into a formable slip, and the fabrication and characteristics of solid ceramic bodies from this slip. The research is targeted to two potential applications: (1) high-density tape-cast alumina substrates; and (2) porous ultra- and nano-filtration membrane. These improvements have potential applications in pollution prevention and control.
