Abstract: A method of forming an article involves forming a mixture of components powder materials, organic binder, solvent for the binder, non-solvent with respect to at least the binder, the solvent, and the powder materials, wherein the non-solvent is lower in viscosity than the binder combined with the solvent, mixing and plasticizing, and shaping to form a green structure. The green structure is dried and fired to impart strength and form the product article. The firing is done by heating to a first temperature of less than 200° C. at a heating rate of no greater than 1° C. per minute, heating from the first temperature to a second temperature of 200° C. to 300° C. at a heating rate of 2° C. per minute to 20° C. per minute, heating from the second temperature to a third temperature of above 300° C. to about 500° C. at a heating rate of no greater than 1° C. per minute, and heating from the third temperature to a fourth temperature of greater than about 500° C.

Abstract: A method for forming an article involves forming a mixture of components of powder materials, organic binder, solvent for the binder, non-solvent with respect to at least the binder, the solvent, and the powder materials, wherein the non-solvent is lower in viscosity than the binder combined with the solvent, and an agent for retarding the oxidation of the organic components. The components are mixed and plasticized, and shaped into a green structure which is then fired to impart strength and form the product article. The product article has fewer cracks than it would have absent the oxidation-retarding agent.