Abstract: A process for shaping parts from ceramic powder that comprises the steps of (1) forming a concentrated mixture in excess of 40% ceramic solids by volume, the mixture comprising ceramic powder, a gel forming material chosen from the class of polysaccharides known as "agaroids", and a gel forming material solvent and being formed in a blender that provides a shearing action and is heated to raise the temperature of the mixture to about 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.; and (2) molding the mixture at a temperature sufficient to produce a self-supporting structure comprising the powder and gel. The parts exhibit excellent green strength and are rapidly fired without cracking, distortion or shrinkage problems.

Abstract: A ceramic element of a zirconia oxygen sensor is shaped from a powder mixture. The mixture, comprising a ceramic powder having an average particle size less than or equal to 1 micrometer, a gel-forming material and a gel forming material solvent, is molded at a temperature and pressure sufficient to produce the ceramic element having a density of at least 5.5 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass-ceramic composition having a high fracture strength adaptable for hermetically sealing to chromium bearing iron or nickel base alloys at temperatures of between about 950.degree. C to about 1100.degree. C to form a hermetically sealed insulator body, comprising from about 55 to about 65 weight percent SiO.sub.2, from about 0 to about 5 weight percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, from about 6 to about 11 weight % Li.sub.2 O, from about 25 to about 32 weight percent BaO, from about 0.5 to about 1.0 weight percent CoO and from about 1.5 to about 3.5 weight percent P.sub.2 O.sub.5.