A water soluble titanate compound (TNB Lac) prepared by direct reaction of titanium tetra n butoxide (TNB) with lactic acid (Lac) in water showed characteristics of a polyanion and acted as a dispersant for preparing aqueous aluminum titanate (Al_2TiO_5) slurries. The isoelectric point of Al_2TiO_5 particles shifted to lower pH with increasing concentration of TNB Lac. The Theological behavior of aqueous Al_2TiO_5 slurries with TNB Lac was examined and evaluated. The dispersion and fluidity of aqueous Al_2TiO_5 slurry were enhanced by the addition of TNB Lac at pH 10, and the thickening limit of the well dispersed and fluidized slurry with 0.075 mmol g~(-1) TNB Lac was found at a solid content of 79 wt%. A high green density of 63% for the sintered powder was obtained through the slip casting process using slurries with 0.075 mmol g~(-1) TNB Lac. The maximum relative density value of the sintered bodies was 96.5% when the green body was fired at 1500°C. The sintered body had a homogeneous grain growth and dense microstructure without pores or abnormal grain growth.
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