Inventors:
Thomas E. Wood - Maplewood MN
David M. Wilson - Roseville MN
Harold G. Sowman - Stillwater MN
Assignee:
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company - St. Paul MN
International Classification:
C04B 3510
Abstract:
Microcrystalline alpha-alumina based ceramic articles comprising at least 60% alumina by weight, and 0. 1-7. 0 percent by weight iron equivalence in which substantially all the alumina is in the alpha phase having a uniform grain structure comprising alpha alumina crystallites with an average crystallite size less than 0. 5 micrometer and a density greater than 90% theoretical are disclosed. Ceramic articles particularly useful as high modulus refractory fibers, among other shaped bodies such as beads, flakes, coatings, and shaped or randomly-shaped abrasive particles, are produced from a unique sol-gel process wherein hydroxy iron polymers are utilized to nucleate the alpha alumina transformation. An inherent advantage of the unique process disclosed is the resulting fine grained microstructure, and a surface roughness height of less than 100. 0 nm, which is essential if a ceramic article such as an alpha alumina fiber is to have reasonable strength.