Raw Materials For Alumina Ceramics

A brief presentation is made of the raw materials for alumina ceramics. The important source is the alumina trihydrate resulting from the Bayer process. Purification of the Bayer aluminate liquor to minimise organics, iron oxide and silica, reduction of sodium oxide content, special conditions of precipitation and and calcination and fine grinding of calcined material lead to the production of various grades of alumina. Typical properties and applications of alumina ceramics are discussed. A survey of the world scene is made and the situation in India is briefly reviewed.