Abstract
Abstract This project uses the change of functional properties of proteins for ceramic and powder metallurgical shaping. Albumin (Bovine Serum Albumin, BSA) as a major constituent of blood was added as a model binder to an aqueous powder suspension, which then showed a sufficiently low viscosity for mould filling. The flow behaviour showed a structural viscosity being best described by a Herschel–Bulkley model. Temperatures higher than 66 °C lead to a significant increase of viscosity caused by irreversible changes in the spatial-structure of the protein molecule. Albumin, however, had a second effect in this process. Since albumin has amphiphilic properties its solutions are prone to foaming. A fine cellular foam structure of approximately 50–300 μm cell diameter was formed, probably due to a stable arrangement at the liquid gas interface. The combination of foaming and increase of stiffness lead to a stable protein-ceramic foam structure. After burn out and sintering final densities in the range from 8 to 20% t.d. were achieved. Fine cellular structures have more isolated pores while larger cells are typically interconnected. Typical applications would be high temperature insulation, catalyst carriers or scaffolds for cell technology.
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