Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic green body having enough green strength and handling strength. The fiber-reinforced ceramic green body is obtained by molding a ceramic composition comprising a ceramic powder, a sintering aid powder, an organic fiber, an aqueous dispersion medium and an optional dispersant. The organic fiber is contained in the ceramic green body in an amount of 0.2-3 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a total of the ceramic powder and the sintering aid powder and uniformly dispersed throughout it. The average length of the organic fiber is 300-1000 &mgr;m and the average diameter is 2.5-30 &mgr;m. The organic fiber is preferably a synthetic high polymer such as polyester, nylon, etc., and preferably has a hydrophilic nature imparted by surface treatment.

Abstract: A method of vacuum forming of aqueous, fibrous slurries and products produced thereby are disclosed. The method entails forming an aqueous slurry of ceramic fiber, cationic starch and silica sol. The silica has, based on total weight of the sol, about 50% silica having a particle size range of from about 7 nm to about 200 nm and a specific surface area of about 100 m2/gm to about 10 m2/gm. The slurry is passed through a porous screen under a vacuum pressure deposit the solids content onto the screen to produce high strength products.