Abstract: A method for preparing shaped, green ceramic compacts suitable for firing to form high density .beta."-alumina containing ceramic bodies comprising: (1) mixing between about 2.5 parts by weight and about 4.5 parts by weight of a ceramic composition comprising at least about 80 weight percent of aluminum oxide and from about 5 to about 15 weight percent of sodium oxide with 1 part by weight of a binder composition consisting essentially of between about 20 weight percent and about 35 weight percent of polyvinyl pyrrolidone having a number average molecular weight (M.sub.n) between about 20,000 and about 160,000 and between about 80 weight percent and about 65 weight percent of ethylene glycol; (2) extruding the mixture so formed through a die of desired configuration; and (3) heating the extrudate at temperatures and for periods of time necessary to evaporate the ethylene glycol solvent and burn off the polyvinyl pyrrolidone.