Abstract: A method of reducing the agglomeration of ceramic powder materials, the method comprising: (a) providing a ceramic powder comprising ceramic particles; (b) coating the ceramic particles with a solution containing from 0.05-0.5 wt. % of a polysiloxanol oligomer of a trialkoxysiloxane monomer having the structureSi(OR').sub.3wherein R' represents a lower C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy group selected from the group consisting of methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy and n-butoxy and wherein the oligomer has chains having a number average distribution with a number average degree of polymerization X.sub.n in the range above 2 but below that near the gel point; and (c) drying the ceramic powder.

Abstract: When a dispersion of oxide ceramic particles in certain volatile organic solvents is mixed with less than about 2 percent by weight (based on the weight of particles) of an oligomeric polysiloxanol dispersant, and the dispersion allowed to settle, the oligomer provides a multiplicity of OH groups, many of which are available for interactive bonding to the surfaces of the particles. The net result is that the particles settle more slowly; also, the sediment has a density higher than that of sediment from a dispersion of the same particles in the same solvent mixed with the monomeric silane from which the oligomer was formed. Exceptionally dense and strong "tape", for making sintered circuitized multilayered ceramic structures, is produced by capitalizing on this phenomenon. The effectiveness of the oligomer is predicated upon the prehydrolysis of the siloxane, prior to forming the dispersion.