A simple gel casting process is described for the preparation of (hydroxy apatite) ceramic bodies.
Such green compacts were observed to sinter more uniformly compared to the compacts derived by the dry pressing technique. The samples were sintered at temperatures ranging between 1100 and1250”C for 2 h. The sin&ring characteristics of the compacts were assessed by density measurements, microhardness variations and scanning electron microscopy. The highest density was obtained for gel cast samples, i.e. > 99%, when they were sintered at 1200°C for 2 h. The
microstructure of the above sample was highly uniform. The improved uniformity in structure and properties of the sintered gel cast samples would make them suitable for better dental and orthopaedic implants.