Eco-friendly processing and methods for ceramic materials - A review

Restrictions regarding waste disposal and strict environmental regulations require eco-friendly technologies. Organics such as binders are used extensively in green body fabrication but they must be eliminated and/or decreased due to global problems because during heat treatment carbon dioxide and other hydrocarbon emissions take place after organic decomposition. If it is possible to remove these polymers fully or partially before heat treatment, then harmful gas evolution to the atmosphere can be eliminated and/or controlled. In the cases where the organic usage is imperative, they must he replaced with the low-toxic or non-toxic ones because toxic substances pose the greatest threat to human beings and the environment. It is also important to recycle the wastes from various sources in order to save energy. This paper reviews the efforts to rind or explore new eco-friendly processes, modifications and chemical methods in order to replace currently used ones from the viewpoint of sustainable development. (C) 2008 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.