MXPA99007113A

MXPA99007113A - Preparation and utility of water-soluble polymers having pendant derivatized amide, ester or ether functionalities as ceramics dispersants and binders

Info

Publication number: MXPA99007113A
Application number: MXPA/A/1999/007113A
Authority: MX
Inventors: P Howland Christopher; e reed Peter; J Moreggenborg Kevin; D Morris Jhon; Tang Jiansheng; Wang Jinshan
Original assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
Priority date: 1997-01-31
Filing date: 1999-07-30
Publication date: 2000-01-21

Abstract

Methods for dispersing and binding ceramic materials in aqueous media are disclosed. The methods utilize water-soluble polymers having pendant derivatized amide, ester or ether functionalites for dispersing and binding various classes of ceramic materials.

Description

PREPARATION AND UTILITY OF SOLUBLE POLYMERS IN WATER THAT THEY HAVE FUNCTIONALITIES PENDING DERIVATIZED AMIDA, ESTER OR ETHER, AS DISPERSANTS AND CERAMIC AGGLUTINANTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION Methods for supplying and joining ceramic materials in aqueous medium are described. The methods use water-soluble polymers that have outstanding functionalities derivatized amide, ester or ether and that bind various kinds of ceramic materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ceramic materials are commonly prepared by mixing powdered ceramic powders such as magnesium, alumina, titania and zirconia, in a suspension together with additives, such as dispersants and binders.The suspension can be spray dried to produce ceramic particles. The particles are pressed into an aggregate structure called an "un-sintered ceramic", which has the desired shape and is then subjected to a strong heat treatment known as sintering.The sintering process converts the un-sintered ceramic material into REF. 30735 a cohesive "ceramic ceramic", which has a polycrystalline ceramic phase almost monolithic. The binder serves to maintain the ceramic particles of the ceramic without sintering in the desired form after pressing. The binder can also provide lubrication while the particles are pressed.

Preferably, the binder is completely ignited or vaporized during the sintering process which leaves no traces of the binder in the baked ceramic material. In performing these functions, the binder significantly affects the properties of the baked ceramics which are ultimately produced. In commercial practice, polyvinyl alcohols are widely used as ceramic binders. Additionally, copolymers of poly (ethylene oxide) and ethylene-vinyl acetate have been used in an informed manner as binders for particulate material, such as granular silica gel. For example, polymeric binders containing substantially manufactured hydrolyzed copolymers of monomers having ester or amide functional groups, poly (vinyl formamide) or a copolymer of vinyl alcohol and vinylamine, are disclosed in U.S. Pat.

Nos. 5,358,911; 5,487,855, and 5,525,665.

In addition, polymeric treatments have been described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,680,339; 4,731,419; 4,885,345 and 5,084,520. The utility for the treatments has been described as dispersants in water treatment, inhibitors of incrustations and in industrial and natural waters, flocculants, coagulants and thickeners; but ceramic applications of binders and dispersion have not been described. Although commercially available binders are satisfactory for many applications, there is a need for improved binders which provide even greater strength and / or increased density in un-sintered ceramic materials. A greater resistance to the lack of sintering reduces the rupture during the handling of ceramic materials without sintering and, generally it is associated with ceramics cooked of superior quality. Preferably, the improved binders should be cheaper and more versatile than previously known binders. Spray drying is an evaporative process in which a liquid is removed from a suspension containing a liquid and a substantially non-volatile solid. The liquid is vaporized by direct contact with a drying medium, usually air, in an extremely short retention time, in the order of approximately 3 to approximately 30 seconds. The primary control factors in a spray drying process are the particle size, the particle size distribution, the particle shape, the suspension density, the suspension viscosity, temperature, residence time and humidity of the product. The viscosity of the suspension must be suitable for handling and spray drying. Although the conditions of spray drying equipment can be adjusted to handle a wide variety of viscosities, larger particles usually result in higher viscosity suspensions. Those usually familiar with the art are related to the spray drying processes used in the production of ceramic materials, and will be able to optimize the control factors of spray drying to make the most of them. Alternatively, the spray drying process can be replaced by other well-known drying methods such as granulation, die-cutting and pulping. Spray drying of the suspension produces freely flowing, substantially dry powder particles which contain the ceramic material, the binder and the optional materials described above. The dried particles are granules and which are generally spheroidal in shape and have an effective diameter of approximately 50 to approximately 300 micrometers. Typically, about 0.5% to about 8% of the binder, based on the dry weight of the ceramic powder, is present in the dry particles. In granulation, a mixture of dry powder or powder is mixed or tumbled, commonly in a barrel-shaped apparatus. The water solution and / or a binder is sprayed onto the mixing powder causing aggregation of the small particles into larger granules. The size of the granules is controlled by the amount of material sprayed on the powders and the speed at which it is sprayed. The granulated powders can be screened to a desired size and pressed to form them in a pressing operation before sintering. Alternatively, the granules themselves can be the desired product and can be sintered directly. Tape die cutting is commonly used to produce thin substrates for the computer industry. In the process, a ceramic powder containing a thick ceramic suspension, a dispersant and binders are prepared. The suspension is punched on a uniform surface such as a Mylar or plastic sheet and the thickness is controlled by passing the sheet under a blade which uniformly makes the surface of the suspension and scraped off the excess material. The suspension tape is dried in a plastic state and cut and conforms to the specifications. The amount of binder present in the ribbon die is very high, typically in the order of 15 to 20% by weight of the ceramic powder mass. In the spray drying of the fluidized bed, small particles of "seed" are placed in a column and hot air is blown into the powder seeded from the bottom of the particle suspension in the column. A ceramic suspension is sprinkled on the seed particles from the top, causing them to grow. When the particles reach a large enough size, they are removed by siphon action of the dryer while introducing more seed particles. This process can produce dust for subsequent formation processes, or the powder itself can represent the desired product, in which case, it would be sintered to produce a final ceramic product. The dried particles are compacted to produce a sintered, aggregate ceramic structure. Preferably, the particles are compacted by pressing them into dies having an internal volume which approximates the desired shape for the final baked ceramic product. Alternatively, the particles are compacted by roll compaction or other well known compaction methods. The spray-dried mixture of powder, binders and surfactants and optional lubricants is relatively free of flow so that it can enter and conform closely to the shape of the press dies. Within the dies, the dried particles are subjected to a pressure which is typically in the range from about 351 kg / cm2 to about 35153 kg / cm2 (5000-50000 psi). The fact of pressing the particles produces an aggregate structure, called non-sintered ceramic material, which retains its shape after the removal of the die. A forming technique used for spray drying of granulated material is roller compaction, also referred to as roller pressing. This technique takes a dry powder and compresses it between two rollers in a continuous process. This process produces sheets of ceramic material of various widths and thicknesses. These sheets can be cut to the desired shape and sintered to produce the final ceramic body. The process is commonly used to produce ceramic substrates for the electronics industry. Dry pressing involves filling a die formed with dry powder or sprayed granulate and pressing it at high pressures. The pressing occurs through movable pistons in the upper and / or lower part of the die cavity. The process can be used to produce very complex geometries in a single training stage. The body obtained ceramic is expelled from the die and sintered to produce a final ceramic product. Isotactic pressing is similar to dry pressing as the ceramic powder is pressed into a die cavity. However, in isotactic pressing, the entire part of the die wall consists of a flexible material. After filling the die cavity with powder, the die is immersed in a liquid pressure chamber and pressure is applied to compress the die and compact the powder. Unlike dry pressing, no moving parts are involved. Isotactic pressing is commonly used for large or very long parts to minimize fracturing or lamination of the body without ceramic sintering, final. Extrusion involves the pushing of a concentrated plastic suspension through a hole. The hole is the size and shape of the desired ceramic body. This process is commonly used to produce ceramic tubes or similarly shaped parts. The suspension used is prepared from dry powders that are mixed with water, organic binders and lubricants, and a coagulant. This suspension is usually pre-dried in a filter press or similar apparatus to remove excess water and thicken the suspension to a plastic material. Subsequently the material is extruded through a press which is driven by piston or by screw. The extruded material is cut to the desired length, dried and sintered. Shaped molding is commonly used in the porcelain industry to form an extruded or pressed and filtered ceramic suspension. Typically, a portion of the plastic suspension is placed on a rotating wheel and formed by rollers and / or knife blades to the desired geometry. This body is then dried and sintered. Another method of forming ceramic material, which is used for parts of complex shapes, is die-cutting. In the paste die-cutting, a concentrated ceramic suspension (paste) is poured into a mold with an internal shape of the desired ceramic body. The suspension used must be highly concentrated to avoid particle sedimentation and / or excessive shrinkage during drying. At the same time, the paste must be fluid enough to completely fill the mold and allow the escape of air bubbles. The presence of a polymeric binder adds resistance to the body of the die by preventing rupture during the removal of the mold and the handling of the body before sintering. The heating of the aggregate structure removes volatile materials such as water, and the removal by burning of organic materials, such as binders or surfactants. When a sufficiently high temperature is reached, the particles of the aggregate structure begin to fuse, but do not fully fuse, and are clamped together to reproduce a relatively strong fired ceramic material having essentially the desired shape. The suspension, for example, is spray dried to produce substantially dry particles. The particles are preferably pressed to produce an aggregate, a non-sintered ceramic structure and heated to produce a baked ceramic material. Alternatively, the particles may be formed into an aggregate, a ceramic structure not sintered by roller compaction or by other well-known methods. Although commercially available binders are satisfactory for many applications, there is a need for improved binders which provide an even higher strength and / or density in non-sintered ceramic materials. A higher non-sintered strength reduces the breakage during handling of the non-sintered ceramic material and is generally associated with higher quality ceramic material. Preferably, the improved binders should be cheaper and more versatile than previously known binders.

The present invention also relates to a method for dispersing ceramic materials. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for dispersing one or more ceramic materials in an aqueous medium by using a polymeric dispersant formed of monomers containing hydroxy-functional monomers and acid. Ceramic materials are frequently used to prepare lightweight, resistant and thermally and chemically resistant products. Due to the difficulties associated with the handling of solid ceramic materials, it is desirable that the ceramic materials be in the form of an aqueous dispersion. However, aqueous dispersions of ceramic materials are often unstable, show sediment formation when allowed to stand. When left to rest, the dispersion becomes agglomerated and becomes inhomogeneous and generates difficulties for its handling. These agglomerates can also damage pipes, pumps and other mechanical dispersion handling equipment. The use of dispersants solves these difficulties and also improves the strength and density of the ceramic parts formed, particularly those manufactured by dry pressing, die-cutting of pulp and strip die-cutting process. Polymers are known for use as dispersants for ceramic materials. Typical polymeric dispersants for ceramic materials include polymers formed from monomers containing acid such as, for example, poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid). For example, the anionic polymers produced by hydrolyzing a maleic anhydride terpolymer, N-vinylpyrrolidone and a vinyl compound selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, acrylamide, methyl methacrylate and butyl vinyl ether are described in the US Pat. United No. 5,266,243. Additionally, polymeric dispersants consisting of from 5 to 95 weight percent of one or more hydroxy-functional monomers and from 95% to 5% by weight of one or more acid-containing monomers are described in US Pat. Nos. 5,567,353 and 5,532,307. The hydroxy-functional monomer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, allyl alcohol, allyloxyethanol, allyl propoxylate, vinyl acetate, l-buten-3,4-diol. and 3-allyloxy-1,2-propanediol. In addition, imidized acrylic polymers have been described for increasing the flowability in cement compositions in U.S. Patent No. 5,393,343. Although such polymers function properly in the dispersion of some ceramic materials, certain ceramic materials are more difficult to disperse and dispersants conventional polymers are not suitable. Ceramic materials which present particular difficulty in the form of dispersions include nitrides such as, for example, boron nitride. U.S. Patent No. 5,209,885 discloses the dispersion of silicon nitride for extrusion by the use of a graft copolymer comprising a polyoxyalkylene backbone with polyacrylate side chains. The present invention seeks to provide a method for dispersing ceramic material that includes various ceramic materials known to be difficult to disperse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Methods for dispersing and bonding ceramic materials in an aqueous medium are described. The methods utilize water soluble polymers that have pending derivatized amide, ester or ether functionalities to disperse and bond different kinds of ceramic materials.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Each of the five classes of polymers described herein may also have utility for mining applications such as dust control and mud flocculation Red; for treatment of cooling waters such as inhibition of scale and corrosion, such as for inhibition of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphonate incrustations; for ceramic applications such as machining of non-sintered material and gypsum core forming process; for the preparation of gypsum suspensions, for the treatment of reverse osmosis systems such as inhibition of scale formation by desalination, for applications for oil fields such as reverse emulsion defibers and inhibition of scale of barium sulphate and calcium carbonate; for the treatment of pulp and paper systems such as scale control, sizing agents, dry strength additives and release agents and as a treatment for solid / liquid separation. Such structures can be used in many applications such as dispersants in water treatment, scaling inhibitors in natural and industrial waters, flocculants, coagulants and thickeners, among others. The present invention relates to polymeric binders for preparing ceramic materials. The method can be used to produce ceramics cooked from ceramic powders. Suitable powders include, but are not limited to: aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, magnesium, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide and neodymium oxide. Aluminum oxide is currently preferred. The powder can have an average weight average particle size in the range from a few nanometers to about 1/2 millimeter. Dusts having a median size in the range of from about 0.5 to about 10 microns are preferred. In one aspect, the ceramic powder is mixed with an aqueous solution containing a polymer to produce a suspension. Preferably the suspension is prepared using deionized water. The suspension may contain lubricants, plasticizers and surfactants such as dispersing or defoaming agents. It is also recognized that the properties of a ceramic material such as, but not limited to, sintered density, surface quality or grinding characteristics, may vary as desired by adjusting the ratio of different monomers in a copolymer, the degree of hydrolysis of a copolymer and the molecular weight of the polymer used in the binder composition. Several factors may affect the preferred amount of polymeric dispersant to be used in the formation of a dispersion of a ceramic material. Because the range of ceramic materials that can be used for particular applications, and because the different - In applications may require different levels of solids, the amount of dispersant can vary from 0.01 percent to 3 percent by weight, based on the mass of dust. For example, the morphology of the ceramic material may affect the optimum level of dispersant. Generally, the more spherical the particles, the less dispersant is required. The surface area of the ceramic material can also affect the optimum amount of dispersant. The greater the surface area of a ceramic material, the more dispersant is generally required. The ionic strength (or water hardness) of the dispersion can also affect the optimum level of dispersant. Dispersions that have higher ionic strength generally require more dispersant. The ionic strength of the dispersion can be controlled, for example, by using distilled, deionized, partially distilled or partially deionized water, by controlling the level of contaminants introduced into the dispersion by the various components of the dispersion or by adding one or more agents conventional chelators to the dispersion. Preferably, the water hardness of the dispersion which is attributable to multivalent cations is less than about 600 parts per million ("ppm") expressed as Ca.t., more preferably less than about 500 ppm. Generally, the higher the pH of the dispersion, the lower the amount of dispersant necessary. For purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the pH is not less than 6. The polymeric dispersant of the present invention functions particularly well at a pH of about 8 to 11. The ceramic materials useful in the formation of a dispersion in accordance with the method of the present invention include ceramics of oxide, nitride and carbide; in particular: alumina, aluminum nitride, aluminum titanate, lead titanate, boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, sialon, zirconium nitride, zirconium carbide, zirconium boride, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, boride of tungsten, tin oxide, ruthenium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, chromium oxide, ferrites and mixtures thereof, among others. As used herein, "ceramic materials" includes ferrites. Ferrites are ferrimagnetic oxides. The ferrite classes include filr ferrites, which are oxides having the general formula MO.Fe ^ O., Wherein "M" represents a divalent metal ion or a mixture of ions. The particular examples of filing ferrites are Fe, O., and NiFe¿04. Another class of ferrites are ortoferrites, with the general formulas MFeO_., MCoO. or MMnO ,, where M represents La, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y or a rare earth ion. Another class of ferrites are the hexagonal ferrites, with the general formula AB1O, wherein A is a divalent metal and B is a trivalent metal. Examples of hexagonal ferrites include PbFe12O?;. As used herein, the term clays indicates materials used in the manufacture of porcelain objects. Examples are kaolin and clay spheres, among others. The polymers described herein for the practice of this invention may vary in molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000. Preferably, the molecular weight will be from about 5,000 to about 100,000. For the polymers defined herein, the units defined by the formulas I-IV vary from 5 to 75% of the total number of monomer units in the polymer. Preferably, the units defined as formulas I-IV will be at least 30% of the total number of monomer units in the polymer. The classes of polymers described herein contain monomeric amide, ester and ether units which are functionalized with pendant groups. These pending groups confer favorable polymer properties for use as a binder for ceramic materials. The polymers can be produced by polymerization using specific monomers, so that they can be produced by copolymerization of acrylic acid with a comonomer of poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate. The polymer produced from this way will contain a hydrophilic backbone with pendant groups consisting of poly (ethylene glycol). Alternatively, pendant groups may be introduced into the polymer after polymerization. For example, polyacrylic acid can be amidated with an ethoxylated / propoxylated amine, such as that available from Texaco under the trade name of the Jeffamine series to produce a polymer with a hydrophilic backbone and ethyleneoxy / propyleneoxy pendent groups. During the amidation process, the cyclic imide structures can form between two adjacent carboxylate or carboxamide units on the polymer backbone. These imide structures are not expected to have an adverse effect on the performance of the polymers as a ceramic processing aid. The invention is a binder for ceramic materials comprising a water-soluble polymer, having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R6 (CHR2CHR; Het'-fcrtCHR2CHR3Het R4 wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C-C alkyl; p and q are integers of 1-10; R2 and R: * are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C: -C alkyl; Het * and Het2 are selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C-C alkyl, - ,; Rc and R * are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C -C_ alkyl, < and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R- and Rf as a ring; and B) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxy-methylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acid sodium acrylamido-methylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. As used herein, the monomers described above may be in the form of a salt or acid. Preferably, the binder has the formula wherein p = 1; q = 1; R ', R ", R4, R' and R 'are hydrogen, and Het1 and Het2 are oxygen in formula I of step A, and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

The invention is also a ceramic, uncooked precursor material comprising a mixture of: A. a ceramic powder which is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, steatite, barium titanate, zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten carbide, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula Rn • C CH- I wherein RJ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C- alkyl. -C +; p and q are integers of 1-10; R2 and R ~ are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C- alkyl-; H t1 and Het2 are selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C_-C2 alkyl, -; Rc and Rc are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C: -C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R5 and R 'as a ring; and ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxy-methylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acid sodium acrylamido-methylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. The water soluble polymer preferably has a structure where p = 1; q = 1; R2, R ", R4, Rc and R6 are hydrogen, and Het1 and Het are oxygen in the formula I of step A, and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide.The invention is also a method for preparing a ceramic material, which comprises the steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer has: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R > Rb I I C - cu- (CHR2CHR3 Het'-7p-fCHR: CHR3HetVR wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C alkyl; p and q are integers of 1-10; R "and R are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and CC alkyl, Het1 and Het are selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen, R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C-alkyl; - R 'and R' are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, CC alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R 'and R' as a ring; Y ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butylacrylamide, butoxy-methylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylamide acid sodium methylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that is selected from the group consisting of spray drying in a fluidized bed and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compact the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isotactic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; and D) heating the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material. The water soluble polymer preferably has a structure wherein p = 1; q = 1; R2, R ', R4, Rc and R "are hydrogen, and Het; and Het are oxygen in formula I of step i, and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide. In this invention, the particles can be produced by granulation and the step of Compaction of the particles to produce an aggregate structure can be selected from the group consisting of dry pressing and isostatic pressing. Alternatively, other methods for making ceramic materials for the purposes of this invention are suitable and include extrusion, lathe molding, die cutting and pulp die cutting. The invention is a binder for ceramic materials comprising a water-soluble polymer, having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 R ° C CH - c = o O II where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and RJ are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C: -C alkyl; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and alkyl of CyC ?; R- and R are selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C: -C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the union of R "and R 'as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R-, R '", R4, Rc and R': are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R" is not methyl, and B) a monomeric unit soluble in water that is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof As used herein, the monomers described above may be in either salt or acid forms The invention is also a ceramic, uncooked precursor material comprising a mixture of: A. a ceramic powder or which is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, steatite, barium titanate , zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, carbide tungsten, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R5 R ° C CH • = Q OR where p is an integer of 1-10; R- and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C alkyl; R "is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C alkyl, -, R" and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C-C-alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the attachment of R and R 'as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2, R, R4, Rr and Rf are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R1 is not methyl; Y ii) a water-soluble monomer unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide , sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. The invention is also a method for preparing a ceramic material, which comprises the steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer has: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 II where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R- "are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C alkyl, R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C2- alkyl; Rr and R ': selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C-C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the binding of Rr and R as a ring, with the proviso that p = 1, R :, R2, R- ', R ", R = and Rc ~ are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R" is not methyl, and ii) a monomeric unit soluble in water that is selected of the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that it is selected from the group consisting of fluidized bed spray drying and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compact the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isotactic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; Y D) heat the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material. In addition, for the practice of this method, the particles can be produced by granulation and the step of compaction of the particles to produce an aggregate structure which can be selected from the group consisting of dry pressing and isostatic pressing. Alternatively, other methods for making ceramic materials are suitable for the purposes of this invention include extrusion, lathe molding, die cutting and pulp die cutting. The invention is also a method for dispersing one or more ceramic materials in an aqueous medium, comprising using an effective dispersant amount of a polymer dispersant comprising a water soluble polymer, having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R- CH C = 0 II where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R "are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C: -C alkyl: R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C alkyl: R and R 'are selected from the group which consists of hydrogen, carboxylate, C: -C_alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the union of R = and R as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2 , R ', R4, R "and Rc are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R- is not methyl; and B) a water-soluble monomer unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. In addition, one or more of the ceramic materials may be selected from the group consisting of alumina, aluminum nitride, aluminum titanate, lead titanate, boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, sialon, zirconium nitride, zirconium carbide , zirconium boride, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, tungsten boride, tin oxide, ruthenium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, chromium oxide, and ferrites.

In addition, the invention is also an aqueous dispersion of ceramic material prepared according to the above method. The invention is also a binder for ceramic materials comprising a water soluble polymer having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R5 R6 I I C CH CH, OR where p is an integer of 1-10; R * and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C, -C alkyl; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C 2 alkyl; R and PJ are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C.sub.C alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the binding of Rc and K as a ring, with the proviso that when p-1, R2, R ", R4, R- and Rc are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R" is not methyl; and B) a water-soluble monomer unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. As used herein, the monomers described above may be in the form of a salt or acid. The invention is also a ceramic, uncooked precursor material comprising a mixture of: A. a ceramic powder which is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, steatite, barium titanate, zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten carbide, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula - R5 R6 c - CH 1 i CH-, OR where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C: -C alkyl; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C alkyl; R 'and R "are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C, -C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the attachment of R' and R 'as a ring, with the condition that when p = 1, R2, R ", R4, R and R: are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R 'is not methyl; and ii) a water-soluble monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. The invention is also a method for preparing a ceramic material, which comprises the steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer has: i) a monomeric unit of the formula CH-, OR where p is an integer of 1-10; R 'and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C alkyl; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C20 alkyl; R: and Rc are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C * -C alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the attachment of c and R 'as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2, R ~, R4, R ~ and Rc are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R 'is not methyl; and ii) a water-soluble monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that is selected from the group consisting of spray drying in a fluidized bed and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compact the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isostatic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; and D) heating the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material. In addition, for the practice of this invention, the particles can be produced by granulation and the step of compaction of the particles to produce an aggregate structure that can be selected from the group consisting of dry pressing and isostatic pressing.

Alternatively, other methods for making other ceramic materials are suitable for the purposes of this invention include extrusion, lathe molding, die cutting and pulp die cutting. The invention is also a method for dispersing one or more ceramic materials in an aqueous medium, characterized in that it comprises using an effective dispersant amount of a polymer dispersant comprising a water soluble polymer, having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R5 R ° where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R1 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C, -C alkyl; R "is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C1-C2alkyl, R 'and Rf are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C-C-alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the union of R and R "as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2, R", R4, R- and R "are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R; it is not methyl, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R- 'is not methyl; and B) a monomeric unit soluble in water of the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butylacrylamide, butoxy-methylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acid sodium acrylamido-methylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. In addition, one or more ceramic materials may be selected from the group consisting of alumina, aluminum nitride, aluminum titanate, lead titanate, boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, sialon, zirconium nitride, zirconium carbide, boride of zirconium, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, tungsten boride, tin oxide, ruthenium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and ferrites. The invention is also an aqueous dispersion of ceramic material prepared according to the method described above.

The invention is also a binder for ceramic materials comprising a water soluble polymer having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R > -C CH- IV wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C: -C alkyl; p is an integer of 1-10; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C C alkyl; R and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, CyC alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the binding of Rc and R 'as a ring; Y B) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethyl-acrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acid sodium acrylamidomethyl-propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. As used herein, the monomers described above may be in their salt or acid forms. Preferably, the binder is of a structure wherein p = 2; R], R ", Rc and Rc are hydrogen in the formula IV of step A, and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide.In addition, the binder can be of a structure where p = 3; , R1 and R: are hydrogen, R4 is methyl in the formula IV of step A, and the monomeric units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide, In addition, for the practice of this invention, the monomeric units of general structure IV with pendant polyoxy groups N are also effective, as well as the alkyloxy groups described above For example, multi-hydroxy pendant N groups such as those alkyl derivatives having dihydroxy and trihydroxy, as well as alkyl derivatives containing dietetic and triéter portions can also be effective. The invention is also a ceramic, uncooked precursor material comprising a mixture of A) a ceramic powder which is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, oxide magnesium, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, steatite, barium titanate, zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten carbide, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 R ° -C CH- wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C: -C alkyl; p is an integer of 1-10; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C2- alkyl; R and Rc are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C-C alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R5 and Rc as a ring; and ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylamidomethyl acid, sodium propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. Preferably, the water soluble polymer of the method described above has a structure wherein p = 2; R1, R4, R and R are hydrogen in formula IV of step i; and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide. Alternatively, the water soluble polymer of the method described above has a structure wherein p = 3; Rc, R 'and R: are hydrogen; R 4 is methyl in formula IV of step i; and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

The invention is also a method for preparing a ceramic material, which comprises the steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer has: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R? R " CH wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C-C alkyl; p is an integer of 1-10; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -Cn alkyl; Rc and Rl are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, Cx-C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of Rr and Rl as a ring; Y ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethyl-acrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylamidomethyl acid sodium propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that is selected from the group consisting of spray drying in a fluidized bed and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compact the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isostatic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; and D) heating the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material. Preferably, the water soluble polymer of the method described above has a structure wherein p = 2; R1, R4, R- and R 'are hydrogen in formula IV of step i; and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide. Alternatively, the water soluble polymer of the method described above has a structure wherein p = 3; R5, Rc "and R1 are hydrogen, R4 is methyl in the formula IV of step i, and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide, and in the method described above, the particles can be produced by granulation and the stage of compaction of the particles to produce an aggregate structure can be selected from the group consisting of dry pressing and isostatic pressing Alternatively, other methods for manufacturing ceramic materials which are suitable for the purposes of this invention include extrusion, lathe molding , Die Cutting and Die Cutting The invention is also a method for delivering one or more ceramic materials in an aqueous medium, comprising using an effective dispersant amount of a polymeric dispersant comprising a water soluble polymer having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R 'Rc IV wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C: -C alkyl; p is an integer of 1-10; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C2 alkyl; Rc and Rf are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R "and R 'as a ring, and B) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethyl-propanesulfonic acid , vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. Preferably, the water soluble polymer of the method described above has a structure wherein p = 2; R *, R4, R * and R "are hydrogen in formula IV of step A, and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide, Alternatively, the water-soluble polymer of the method described above has a structure in where p = 3, R% Rc 'and R1 are hydrogen, R4 is methyl in formula IV of step TO; and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide. For the practice of this invention, one or more ceramic materials may be selected from the group consisting of alumina, aluminum nitride, aluminum titanate, lead titanate, boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, sialon, zirconium nitride, zirconium carbide, zirconium boride, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, tungsten boride, oxide of tin, ruthenium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and ferrites. In addition, the method may include an aqueous dispersion of ceramic material. The following examples are presented to describe preferred embodiments and utilities of the invention and not means that they limit the invention unless otherwise stated in the claims appended thereto.

Example 1 The synthesis of ammonium acrylate / N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide copolymer is carried out with the following reagents in the following amounts: To prepare the polymer, it is placed in a poly (AA) beaker (25.6% by weight of poly (acrylic acid) solution, pH = 3.8, p.m. 16,000), which is cooled using an ice bath. Aminoethoxyethanol is added dropwise (available from Huntsman Petrochemical Co., in Houston, Texas) in the solution of poly (acrylic acid) / water, with agitation vigorous Subsequently, the solution is stirred for another 15 minutes. The pH of the reaction mixture is measured using pH strips moistened in water. Aqueous caustic material is added to adjust the pH to about 5. The reaction mixture is then transferred to a 300 ml Parr reactor with a nominal pressure of at least 56 kg / cm2 (800 psi). Subsequently, the reactor is assembled and purged with nitrogen for 60 minutes. The Parr reactor is then slowly heated to 160 ° C (or less, as the case may be) and kept at that temperature for 8 hours (or longer, as the case may be). Subsequently, the reactor is cooled to room temperature and the pressure is released. Then the product is transferred for storage. The - * C NMR confirms the product formation. The content of N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide is 21 mol% based on the total moles of monomer units on the polymer, which represents the secondary amide and imide monomer units. The molecular weight of the polymer is 24,000.

Example 2 The synthesis of the ammonium acrylate / acrylamide / N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide terpolymer is carried out in the following manner, with the reagents in the quantities indicated below: To prepare the polymer, poly (NH.sub.AA / AcAm) (50/50 mol% ammonium acrylate / acrylamide copolymer, 38.2% by weight, pH = 5.5, ± 33,000 copolymer) copolymer is placed in a beaker. which is cooled using an ice bath. Aminoethoxyethanol (available from Huntsman Petrochemical Co., in Houston, Texas) is added dropwise in the above solution, with vigorous stirring (pH = 10.1). Subsequently, the solution is stirred for another 15 minutes. The pH of the reaction mixture is measured using pH strips moistened in water. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is transferred to a 600 ml Parr reactor with a nominal pressure of at least 56 kg / cm- (800 psi). Subsequently, the reactor is assembled and purged with nitrogen for 60 minutes. The Parr reactor is then heated slowly to 138 ° C and maintained at that temperature for 14 hours. Subsequently, the reactor is cooled to room temperature and the pressure is released. Then the product is transferred for storage. The - C NMR confirms the product formation. The content of N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide is 33.3 mol% based on the total moles of monomeric units on the polymer. The molecular weight of the polymer is 35,000 and a molar ratio of N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide / acrylic acid / acrylamide 33/41/26.

Example 3 The synthesis of a sodium acrylate / acrylamide / N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide terpolymer is carried out in the following manner with the reagents with the amounts indicated below: To prepare the polymer, poly (NaAA / AcAm) is placed (50/50 mol% sodium acrylate / acrylamide copolymer, 32. 0% by weight, pH = 5.2, p.m. 11,000), in a beaker, which is cooled using an ice bath. Aminoethoxyethanol is added dropwise (available from Huntsman Petrochemical Co., in Houston, Texas) in the above aqueous solution, with vigorous stirring. Subsequently, the solution is stirred for another 15 minutes. The pH of the reaction mixture is measured using pH strips moistened in water. Sulfuric acid is added to adjust the pH to approximately 5.6. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is transferred to a 300 ml Parr reactor with a nominal pressure of at least 56 kg / cm ~ (800 psi). Subsequently, the reactor is assembled and purged with nitrogen for 60 minutes. The Parr reactor is then slowly heated to 138 ° C and maintained at that temperature for 12 hours. Later, the reactor is cooled to room temperature and the pressure is released. Then the product is transferred for storage. The:, C NMR confirms the product formation. The content of N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide is 33 mol%, based on the total moles of monomer units on the polymer. The proportion of moles is 42/22/33 of acrylic acid / acrylamide (which includes 31 of imide monomer units) / N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide (which includes the units monomeric imide). The polymer product has a molecular weight of 12,000.

Example 4 The synthesis of the sodium acrylate / acrylamide / N-methoxypropyl acrylamide terpolymer is carried out in the following manner with the reagents in the amounts indicated below: To prepare the polymer, poly (NaAA / AcAm) (50/50 mol, 32.0% by weight, pH = 5.2, p.m. 11,000) is placed in a beaker, which is cooled using an ice bath. Methoxypropylamine (available from Aldrich Chem. Co., Milwaukee, Wl) is added dropwise in the above aqueous solution, with vigorous stirring. Subsequently, the solution Stir for another 15 minutes. The pH of the reaction mixture is measured using pH strips moistened in water. Sulfuric acid is added to adjust the pH to approximately 5.6. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is transferred to a 300 ml Parr reactor with a nominal pressure of at least 56 kg / cm2 (800 psi). The reactor is then assembled and purged with nitrogen for 60 minutes. The Parr reactor is then slowly heated to 138 ° C and maintained at that temperature for 12 hours. Subsequently, the reactor is cooled to room temperature and the pressure is released. Then the product is transferred for storage. The:? C NMR confirms the product formation. The content of methoxypropyl acrylamide is 34.2 mol% based on the total moles of monomer units in the polymer. The molar ratio of the product is 41/17/34 which represents acrylic acid / acrylamide (which includes 6% monomeric imide units) / methoxypropyl acrylamide (which includes the monomeric imide units). The molecular weight of the product is 11,000.

Example 5 The synthesis of a terpolymer of sodium acrylate / acrylamide / N-hydroxy (ethylamino) ethylacrylamide is carried out in the following manner, with the reagents in the quantities indicated below: To prepare the polymer, poly (NaAA / cAm) (50/50 mol, 24.0% by weight, pH = 3.5, p.m. 15,000) is placed in a beaker, which is cooled using a bath with ice. Add drops (aminoethylamino) ethanol (available from Aldrich Chem. Co., Milwaukee, Wl) in the above aqueous solution, with vigorous stirring. Subsequently, the solution is stirred for another 15 minutes. The pH of the reaction mixture is measured using pH strips moistened with water. Sulfuric acid is added to adjust the pH to approximately 5.6. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is transferred to a 300 ml Parr reactor with a nominal pressure of at least 56 kg / cm2 (800 psi). The reactor is then assembled and purged with nitrogen for 60 minutes. The Parr reactor then it slowly warms up to 138 ° C and is maintained at that temperature for 14 hours. Subsequently, the reactor is cooled to room temperature and the pressure is released. Then the product is transferred for storage. The: 'C NMR confirms the product formation. The content of hydroxy (ethylamino) ethylacrylamide is 46 mol%, based on the total moles of monomer units in the polymer, which represent both secondary amide and monomeric imide units. The polymer also contains 51% acrylic acid units. The molecular weight of the product is 15,000.

Example 6 The synthesis of a terpolymer of acrylic acid / acrylamide / N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide is carried out in the following manner with the reagents in the amounts indicated below: To prepare the polymer, they are placed in a poly (AcAm) beaker (50% by weight, available from Aldrich Chem. Co., p.m. 10,000), which is cooled using an ice bath. Aminoethoxyethanol (available from Huntsman Petrochemical Co., in Houston, Texas) is added dropwise in the above aqueous solution, with vigorous stirring. Subsequently, the solution is stirred for another 15 minutes. The pH of the reaction mixture is measured using pH strips moistened with water. Sulfuric acid is added to adjust the pH to approximately 5.6. Later, transfer the reaction mixture to a 300 ml Parr reactor with a nominal pressure of at least 56 kg / cm2 (800 psi). The reactor is then assembled and purged with nitrogen for 60 minutes. The Parr reactor is then slowly heated to 138 ° C and maintained at that temperature for 14 h. Subsequently, the reactor is cooled to room temperature and the pressure is released. Then the product is transferred for storage. The: iC NMR confirms the product formation. The content of N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide is 19.6 mole%, based on the total moles of monomer units in the polymer. The proportion of moles of product is 33/44/20 which represents acrylic acid / acrylamide / N- (hydroxyethoxy) ethylacrylamide.

Example 7 The synthesis of a terpolymer of acrylic acid / acrylamide / N- (hydroxyethyl) acrylamide 33/50/17 mole% is carried out in the following manner. To 100 g of a 52/48 molar ratio of AA / AcAm copolymer (42.7% active polymer, average molecular weight = 34,100) in a Parr reactor are added 17.4 g of ethanolamine. The pH is adjusted with 8.32 g of 36% hydrochloric acid, between 5.0 and 5.5. The solution is purged with nitrogen for 1.0 hour and heated to 138-142 ° C for about 8 hours. NMR analysis indicates that the terpolymer composition is 38/58/10 of N- (hydroxyethyl) acrylamide / AA / cAm. The average weight of the molecular weight of the product is 128,000, indicating that the polymer is slightly crosslinked. To the amount of the stirred half of the product a 50% solution of NaOH (19.24 g) is added dropwise at pH < 11.39. The solution is further stirred for 3.5 hours at room temperature. The pH is adjusted to approximately 7 with 36% hydrochloric acid. The average molecular weight is 42,600. The results of the NMR analysis show that this product is a terpolymer of 33/50/17 N- (hydroxyethyl) acrylamide / AA / Am.

Example 8 The synthesis of a terpolymer of N- (hydroxyethyl) acrylamide / acrylic acid / acrylamide 35/51/14 is carried out in the following manner. To 100 g of an AA / Am 52/48 copolymer (42.7% active parts of polymer, average molecular weight, 34,100) in a Parr reactor are added 25.3 g of ethanolamine. The pH is adjusted with 18.8 g of 36% hydrochloric acid to approximately 5.3. The solution is purged with nitrogen for 1.0 hour and heated to 136-138 ° C for about 7 hours. 37.0 g of 50% NaOH are added dropwise to the stirred solution at pH • < 12 and at room temperature. Then, the solution is stirred for an additional 5 hours, the pH is adjusted with hydrochloric acid 36% to 8.5. The results of the NMR analysis indicate that the terpolymer composition is 35/51/14 N- (hydroxyethyl) acrylamide / AA / Am. The average molecular weight of the terpolymer is 31,000.

Example 9 To determine the dispersibility of the polymers, the following experimental procedure was followed.

Pastes of 1,500 g to 80 weight percent alumina powder (99.5% calcined alpha alumina oxide available from Alean, C90 LSB Alumina) in water are prepared using 0.25 percent by weight (polymer / powder) of the polymer to be tested. Each paste is milled 3 hours in a 1 liter jar mill using 1,500 g of grinding media. Subsequently, the resulting pastes are filtered through a 60 mesh screen, and the viscosity is measured with a Brookfield equipment using an LVT type viscometer using a # 2 rod. For comparison purposes, a commercially available common alumina additive polymer is used. Polymer B is available ammonium poly (methacrylate) from R.T. Vanderbilt Co., Norwalk, CT. The polymer A is a polymer synthesized according to the procedure of example 2. The viscosity of a suspension must be suitable for the necessary spray handling and drying. Although the spray drying equipment and operating conditions can be adjusted to handle a variety of viscosities, the larger practices will result from the higher viscosity suspensions. The resulting large particles can lead to larger inter-particle interstices and therefore to lower strength. The binder can contribute to the voscosidad of the continuous phase of the suspension by virtue of its molecular weight, solubility, conformation in solution and possible incompatibility with the combination of powder and dispersant. Since a lower viscosity is more desirable for ceramic applications, the results of table I show that the polymer of this invention, prepared according to the procedure of example 2, works better than the common treatment.

TABLE I Alumina Scattering Capacity Example 10 The polymers were also tested in order to determine the effects of pulp viscosity as a binder-type function, according to the following procedure. Deflocculated pulp was prepared as in the procedure of Example 9. To each paste prepared in this manner, the polymeric treatment to be tested is added, to constitute a total level of 4.0 percent by weight (polymer / powder). Subsequently, each paste containing binder is mixed by propellant at 800 rpm for 1 hour. For any necessary dilution, deionized water is added to obtain the level of tabulated powder solids. Finally, the viscosity of the pulp is measured using the method described in Example 9. The results in Table II illustrate that although the binder composition varies, the polymers of this invention cause lower viscosity of the pulp compared to the available polymer treatment. commercially today. In Table II, polymer C is polyvinyl alcohol which has a molecular weight of 30,000 to 50,000 and is 88% hydrolyzed. It is available from Air Products of Allentown, Pa. Polymer A is a polymer synthesized according to the procedure of Example 2. For each polymer tested, 4 weight percent is used, and the viscosity is measured as 3.14 seconds.

TABLE II Viscosity of Paste as a Function of the Type of Binder 1 = Brookfield viscosity.

Example 11 A copolymer is synthesized by the process described in example 2 above, it is tested as a binder for alumina particles of the type which are commonly used to produce ceramic materials. In this example, the paste preparation described in Example 10 is used to further examine the characteristics of the binders.

The milled suspension is spray-dried in a Yamato DL-41 laboratory spray dryer. The operating conditions of the dryer were: 250 ° C air inlet temperature, 1.2 atomized air adjustment, 5 adjustment of the suspension feed pump and drying air feed rate of 0.7 cubic meters per minute . A dry powder is produced which is recovered, sieved and stored overnight in a 20% relative humidity chamber. The sieved powder is pressed onto 9 shots in a Carver laboratory press, 352 kg / cm2 (5,000 pounds per square inch) of pressure force, 1055 kg / cm2 (15,000 pounds per square inch) of pressure force and 1758 kg / cm2 (25,000 pounds per square inch) of pressure force. The granules were approximately 28.7 millimeters in diameter and 5 to 6 millimeters in height. The dimensions and weights of the granules were measured and the granules were ground to determine the force required to break them. The diametral compression strength (DCS) for each of the granules was determined from the breaking force and the dimensions of the granule. The average diametral compressive strength in megapascals for each set of 3 granules is presented below in Table III. The diametral compression strength of the non-sintered body is important in ceramic applications for the following reasons. The main function of the binder is to keep the compacted form together after pressing. The method used to determine the appropriate "unsintered resistance" is the diametral compression resistance or DCS of a cylindrical section through its diameter. DCS is actually a measure of tensile strength. The pressure tolerance measurement unit is the megapascal (Mpa). Typical values for DCS of "non-sintered" parts are on average 0.3-3.0 MPa. The polymer A is a separate polymer according to the procedure in example 2. The polymer C is the conventional additive described in example 10. Therefore,, since a higher DCS value indicates a more efficient binder, Table III shows that the polymers of the present invention are more efficient than a conventional treatment. D is another additive that is frequently used together with these polymeric treatments for ceramic applications. Since a higher density is desirable, the results of Table III illustrate that the polymers of the present invention are more advantageous in this respect also, as indicated by the higher amounts obtained compared to the case of conventional treatment. The characteristic of elastic recovery is another important measure of the efficiency of a polymer for ceramic applications for the following reasons. Before him When filling a die, the resulting compacted part must be expelled uniformly, be as dense as possible and not suffer from significant dimensional change with respect to that of the die. Chemical additives have a major effect on the desired lubricating power. The compressed powder will experience stress relaxation in the form of expansion upon release from the die. This phenomenon is referred to as "elastic recovery" and is undesirable from the point of view of dimensional accuracy as well as density and strength. For this example, D is used as a plasticizer. The maintenance of a net shape is important, since the presentation of a larger amount of elastic recovery can cause lamination defects, or undesirable density gradients. Therefore, the lower values for elastic recovery obtained by the polymers of this invention in Table III demonstrate that such polymers are more efficient than conventional treatment. The pressure required to eject the die was also measured. The same test equipment was used as described above, except that after the granule is pressed, a plunger is used at the bottom of the apparatus to apply force to the die. A lower pressure is more desirable, and is obtained by the use of polymers of the present invention on polymers conventionally used for ceramic purposes. TABLE III Comparison of Non-Sintered Body Properties D1 = poly (ethylene oxide / propylene oxide) ether bound to (1,2-ethanedyldinitrile) tetrakis [propanol], 0.8 weight percent. D- = as a DJ in the above, 3.0 percent by weight.

Example 12 The procedures in Example 11 were used to obtain the results of Table IV. Instead of using a range of pressures as in the previous example, the characteristics were evaluated at a single density. The pressure which is required to produce that density is recorded in the table. The polymers A, C and D are as defined in example 11 above. Even when measured as pressed granules at a constant density, the polymers of the present invention provide superior performance over conventional polymeric treatment.

TABLE IV Non-Sintered Body Properties Compared to an Un-Sintered Density of 2.4 g / ml D1 = poly (ethylene oxide / propylene oxide) ether bound to (1,2-ethanedyldinitrile) tetrakis [propanol], 0.8 weight percent. D2 = as D: in the above, 3.0 percent by weight.

Changes can be made in the composition, operation and arrangement of the method of the present invention described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property

1. A binder for ceramic materials comprising a water-soluble polymer, characterized in that it has: A) a monomeric unit of the formula RD CH- (CHR2CHR3 Het1? = - (CHR2CHR3Her-7 --- R4 wherR: is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C: -C alkyl; p and q are integers of 1-10; R2 and R "are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C2-C alkyl, Het1 and Het- are selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen, R4 is selected from the group consisting of it consists of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C1-C2r alkyl; R ~ and R '? are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C: -C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the union of Re and R "as a ring, and B) a monomer unit which is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethyl-acrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethyl-propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol , vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof 2. The binder according to claim 1, characterized in that p = 1; q = 1; R

2, R ", R4, R and R "are hydrogen, and Het1 and Het2 are oxygen in the formula I of stage A, and the monomer units of stage B are acrylic acid and acrylamide 3. A ceramic precursor material, uncooked, characterized in that it comprises a mixing: A. a ceramic powder selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium, steatite, barium titanate, zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten carbide, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R5 R ° I I C CH- I (CHR 2CHR

3 Hei1 CHR2CHR3HetVR wherR: is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C alkyl; p and q are integers of 1-10; R2 and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C_ alkyl; Het1 and Het2 are selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C 1 -C 2 alkyl; R5 and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C, -C alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the binding of RB and R as a ring; and ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butylacrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylamide ethyl sodium propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof.

4. The water soluble polymer according to claim 3, characterized in that p = 1; q = 1; R2, R ', R4, Rc and R "" are hydrogen; and Het1 and Het2 are oxygen in formula I of step A; and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

A method for preparing a ceramic material, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer has: i) a unit monomeric of the formula RJ (CHR2CHR3 He? '?? r (CHR-CHR3Het:! - fc-R wherR1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cj-C alkyl; p and q are integers of 1-10; R2 and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C -C alkyl; Het1 and Het2 are selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C 1 -C 2 alkyl; R5 and R "are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C: -C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R 'and Re as a ring; and ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butylacrylamide, butoxymethyl- acrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethyl-propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that is selected from the group consisting of spray drying in a fluidized bed and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compact the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isotactic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; and D) heating the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material.

6. The water soluble polymer according to claim 5, characterized in that p = 1; q = 1; R2, R ?, R4, R: and R are hydrogen; and Het1 and Het2 are oxygen in formula I of step i; and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the particles are produced by granulation and the step of compaction of the particles to produce an aggregate structure which is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, and isostatic pressing.

8. A binder for ceramic materials, characterized in that it comprises a water-soluble polymer having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R $ R ° I I C CH- C = Q OR II where p is an integer of 1-10; "and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C -C alkyl, R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C, -C20 alkyl; Rc and R *" are selected from the group which consists of hydrogen, carboxylate, C -.- C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the bonding of R. ' and R "as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2, R", R4, Rc and Rc are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R5 is not methyl; B) a water-soluble monomer unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide , sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof.

9. A ceramic, uncooked precursor material, characterized in that it comprises a mixture of: A. a ceramic powder which is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, steatite, barium titanate, zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten carbide, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R5 R ° I I - C CH C = O OR where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Ci-C alkyl; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C-C ^ alkyl, - ,; Rc and Rl are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C-C alquilo alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the attachment of R and R 'as a ring, with the condition that when p = 1, R ~, R ', R ", R' and R are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R" is not methyl; and ii) a water-soluble monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof.

A method for preparing a ceramic material, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer has: i) a unit monomeric of the formula R3 C CH- C I = Q OR II where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C: -C alkyl; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C 1 -C 2 alkyl; Rr and Re are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C * -C_ alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the union of R5 and R "as a ring, with the proviso that p = 1, R :, RRR", R5 and R6 are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R 'is not methyl; and ii) a water-soluble monomer unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, sodium idomethylpropanesulfonic acid acrylate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that is selected from the group consisting of spray drying in a fluidized bed and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compacting the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isotactic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; and D) heating the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material.

The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the particles are produced by granulation and the stage of compaction of the particles for producing an aggregate structure is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing and isostatic pressing.

12. A method for dispersing one or more ceramic materials in an aqueous medium, comprising using an effective dispersant amount of a polymeric dispersant comprising a water soluble polymer having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R? Rn C CH- c I = o o II where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R: < are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C, -C <; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C 4 alkyl; Rc and Rr are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C alquilo alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the joining of Rc and R- as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2, R ', R4, R5 and R are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that "when p = 1, R5 is not methyl, and B) a monomeric unit soluble in water which is selected from group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate , N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that one or more ceramic materials are selected from the group consisting of alumina, aluminum nitride, aluminum titanate, titanate, lead, boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, sialon, zirconium nitride, zirconium carbide, zirconium boride, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, tungsten boride, tin oxide, rust oxide He had, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and ferrites.

14. An aqueous dispersion of ceramic material, characterized in that it is prepared according to the method of claim 12.

15. A binder for ceramic materials, comprising a water-soluble polymer, characterized in that it has: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R5 - C CH • CH, where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R * are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C; -C alkyl; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C 2 alkyl; R "and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C1-C alkyl < and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the attachment of R and R' as a ring, with the condition that when p = 1, R2, R ", R", R "and R 'are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R' is not methyl; and B) a water-soluble monomer unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, acid sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof.

16. A ceramic precursor material, uncooked, characterized in that it comprises the mixture of: A. a ceramic powder which is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide , magnesium oxide, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, steatite, barium titanate, zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten carbide, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 R ° • C CH- CH, OR III where p is an integer of 1-10; R- and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C-C alkyl; R "is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C2 alkyl; R" and R are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C: -C alkyl. and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the binding of Rr and R '"as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2, R4, R5 and R' are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R 'is not methyl, and ii) a monomeric unit soluble in water which is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, acid vinylsulphonic, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl-acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof. a ceramic material, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 R ° CH CH, where p is an integer of 1-10; R- and R 'are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C: -C alkyl; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C-C.

R "and R1 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C-C alquilo alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the attachment of R" and R as a ring, with the condition that when p = 1, R2, R ", R4, Rr and R are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R 'is not methyl, and ii) a monomeric unit soluble in water which is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butyl acrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol , vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that is selected from the group consisting of spray drying in a fluidized bed and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compact the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isostatic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; and D) heating the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material.

The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the particles are produced by granulation and the step of compaction of the particles to produce an aggregate structure is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing and isostatic pressing.

A method for dispersing one or more ceramic materials in an aqueous medium, comprising using an effective dispersant amount of a polymeric dispersant comprising a water soluble polymer having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 where p is an integer of 1-10; R2 and R "are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cx-C alkyl: R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C2n alkyl; R * and R1 are selected from the group consisting of of hydrogen, carboxylate, C, -C0 alkyl and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formed by the attachment of R and R as a ring, with the proviso that when p = 1, R2, R ", R4, R ° and R 'are not all hydrogen, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R- is not methyl, and with the proviso that when p = 1, R' is not methyl; and B) a monomeric unit soluble in water of the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butylacrylamide, butoxy-methylacrylamide, N, -dimethylacrylamide, acrylamidomethyl acid - sodium propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof.

The method according to claim 19, characterized in that one or more ceramic materials are selected from the group consisting of alumina, aluminum nitride, aluminum titanate, lead titanate, boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, sialon , zirconium nitride, zirconium carbide, zirconium boride, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, tungsten boride, tin oxide, ruthenium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and ferrites.

21. An aqueous dispersion of ceramic material, characterized in that it is prepared according to the method of claim 19.

22. A binder for ceramic materials, comprising a water-soluble polymer, characterized in that it has: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 CH- IV wherein R: is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C-C alkyl; p is an integer of 1-10; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C 1 -C 4 alkyl; Rr and Rl are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C, -C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R and Rl as a ring; and B) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethyl-acrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acid acrylamidomethyl- sodium propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof.

23. The binder according to claim 22, characterized in that p = 2; R :, R ", R and R 'are hydrogen in the formula IV of step A, and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide

24. The binder according to claim 22, characterized in that p = 3; R ", R 'and R1 are hydrogen; R 4 is methyl in formula IV of step A; and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

25. A ceramic, uncooked precursor material, characterized in that it comprises the mixture of: A. a ceramic powder which is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, lead oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, steatite, barium titanate, zirconate and lead titanate, clays, ferrite, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten carbide, sialon, neodymium oxide and combinations thereof, and B. a water soluble polymer, having: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 Rc -C CH- wherein R 'is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C, -C, alkyl; p is an integer of 1-10; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C: -C alkyl; Rc and Rc are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C -.- C alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of Rr and R 'as a ring; and ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylamidomethyl acid, sodium propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof.

26. The binder according to claim 25, characterized in that p = 2; R1, R-1, R and R "are hydrogen in the formula IV of step i, and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide

27. The binder according to claim 25, characterized in that p = 3, Rf, R 'and R1 are hydrogen, R4 is methyl in formula IV of step 1, and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide

28. A method for preparing ceramic material, characterized in that it comprises steps of: A) mixing a ceramic powder with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer to produce a suspension, the water-soluble polymer has: i) a monomeric unit of the formula R5 R6 I I C CH wherein R: is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C: -C alkyl; p is an integer of 1-10; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C 1 -C 4 alkyl; R and R1 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylate, C-C * alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the attachment of R "and R as a ring, and ii) a monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-terbutylacrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethyl-propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof; B) drying the suspension by a process that is selected from the group consisting of spray drying in a fluidized bed and spray drying to produce particles which include the copolymer; C) compact the particles by a process that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, roller compaction and isostatic pressing to produce an aggregate structure; and D) heating the aggregate structure to produce a baked ceramic material.

29. The binder according to claim 28, characterized in that p = 2; R1, R4, Rc and Rl are hydrogen in formula IV of step I; and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

30. The binder according to claim 28, characterized in that p = 3; Rc, R 'and R1 are hydrogen; R "is methyl in formula IV of step i, and the monomer units of step ii are acrylic acid and acrylamide

31. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the particles are produced by granulation and the step of compaction of the particles for produce an aggregate structure that is selected from the group consisting of dry pressing, and isostatic pressing.

32. A method for dispersing one or more ceramic materials in an aqueous medium, comprising using an effective dispersant amount of a polymeric dispersant comprising a water-soluble polymer having: A) a monomeric unit of the formula R3 R6 -C CH- IV wherein R: is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C- ^ alkyl is an integer of 1-10; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phosphate, sulfate and C, -C 2 alkyl; Rr and Rf are selected from the group that consists of hydrogen, carboxylate, C: -C_ alkyl, and a cycloalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms formed by the binding of Rc and R "as a ring, and B) a monomer unit which is selected from the group consisting of of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrene sulfonate, N-tert-butylacrylamide, butoxymethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, sodium acrylamidomethyl-propanesulfonic acid, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, N- vinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid and combinations thereof

33. The binder according to claim 32, characterized in that p = 2; R1, R4, Rc and Rr are hydrogen in formula IV of step A; and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

34. The binder according to claim 32, characterized in that p = 3; Rc, R and R1 are hydrogen; R 4 is methyl in formula IV of step A; and the monomer units of step B are acrylic acid and acrylamide.

35. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that one or more ceramic materials are selected from the group consisting of alumina, aluminum nitride, aluminum titanate, lead titanate, boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, sialon , zirconium nitride, zirconium carbide, zirconium boride, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, tungsten boride, tin oxide, ruthenium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and ferrites.

36. An aqueous dispersion of ceramic material, characterized in that it is prepared according to the method of claim 32.