Abstract: Method and apparatus for prolonging the stability (working life) of a ceramic slurry and other aqueous mixture or dispersion containing a liquid silica-bearing or other component as well as the raw liquid silica-bearing component in ambient air over time by providing a gas blanket that reduces exposure to ambient air.

Abstract: Method of making a casting by investment casting of a metal or alloy, especially titanium and its alloys, in a ceramic investment shell mold in a manner to provide enhanced x-ray detectability of any sub-surface ceramic inclusions that may be present below exterior surfaces of the casting. The method involves forming a ceramic mold facecoat and/or back-up layer including erbia or other x-ray or neutron-ray detectable ceramic component. The facecoat/back-up layer is/are formed using a ceramic slurry comprising erbia and other optional ceramic particulates, an inorganic binder, and an inorganic pH control agent. The slurry is applied to a pattern of component to be cast to form the mold. A metal or alloy is cast in the mold, and the solidified casting is removed from the mold. The casting is subjected to radiography to detect any sub-surface ceramic inclusions below the exterior surface thereof not detectable by visual inspection of the casting.

Abstract: A ceramic core that includes, prior to core sintering, erbia filler material alone or admixed with a second ceramic filler material, such as alumina, and a binder to provide a core that is relatively non-reactive with superalloys used in the manufacture of turbine blades, dimensionally stable during directional solidification (DS) for extended times, removable by chemcial leaching techniques, and having enhanced X-ray detectable during post-cast inspection operations. After core sintering, the ceramic core has a microstructure comprising an erbia-alumina garnet phase and an unreacted ceramic filler phase (e.g. alumina).

Abstract: Method of making a casting by investment casting of a metal or alloy, especially titanium and its alloys, in a ceramic investment shell mold in a manner to provide enhanced x-ray detectability of any sub-surface ceramic inclusions that may be present below exterior surfaces of the casting. The method involves forming a ceramic mold facecoat and/or back-up layer including erbia or other x-ray or neutron-ray detectable ceramic component. The facecoat/back-up layer is/are formed using a ceramic slurry comprising erbia and other optional ceramic particulates, an inorganic binder, and an inorganic pH control agent. The slurry is applied to a pattern of component to be cast to form the mold. A metal or alloy is cast in the mold, and the solidified casting is removed from the mold. The casting is subjected to radiography to detect any sub-surface ceramic inclusions below the exterior surface thereof not detectable by visual inspection of the casting.

Abstract: A ceramic shell mold and method of making the same. The ceramic shell mold includes a facecoat layer comprised of a first ceramic material. A plurality of alternating layers are formed overlaying the facecoat layer. The alternating layers are comprised of a second ceramic material and a third ceramic material, the third ceramic material having thermophysical properties different than the second ceramic material. The second ceramic material and the third ceramic material are preferably a zircon-based material and an alumina-based material, respectively. The resultant ceramic shell mold has a greater high temperature creep resistance than a shell mold formed solely from the second ceramic material or solely from the third ceramic material.

Abstract: An yttria-based slurry comprising a dense grain yttria powder and a non-aqueous-based binder is used as a mold facecoat and corecoat for investment casting of reactive metals such as titanium and titanium alloys.