Abstract: A method for reducing X-Y shrinkage during firing of ceramic bodies in which a flexible constraining layer, which becomes porous during firing, is applied to the ceramic body such that the flexible constraining layer conforms closely to the surface of the unfired ceramic body as the assemblage is fired.

Abstract: A composite comprising an unfired ceramic body comprising an admixture of finely divided particles of ceramic solids and sinterable inorganic binder dispersed in a volatilizable solid polymeric binder having affixed and closely conformed to a surface of said body a flexible constraining release layer comprising finely divided particles of non-metallic inorganic solids dispersed in a volatilizable solid polymeric binder, the sinterable inorganic binder of the ceramic body being such that Penetration of said binder into said constraining release layer during subsequent firing is no more than 50 .mu.m and said constraining release layer being affixed and closely conforming such that upon firing X-Y shrinkage of the ceramic body is reduced. Also, a method for making the composite. The flexible, constraining, release layer substantially reduces and controls green ceramic body shrinkage in the x- and y-directions during firing.

Abstract: A method for reducing X-Y shrinkage during firing of ceramic bodies in which a flexible constraining layer, which becomes porous during firing, is applied to the ceramic body such that the flexible constraining layer conforms closely to the surface of the unfired ceramic body as the assemblage is fired.

Abstract: A method for reducing X-Y shrinkage during firing of green ceramic bodies in which a release layer, which becomes porous during firing, is placed upon the ceramic body and the assemblage is fired while maintaining pressure on the assemblage normal to the body surface.