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Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a sheet of flexible gelled ceramic and/or metallic containing material, comprising the steps of: (a) combining water, ceramic and/or metallic powder, polymer, plasticiser, water soluble cross-linking agent precursor and optional further components to produce a mixture; (b) applying the mixture to a suitable substrate to form a layer of desired dimensions; (c) exposing the layer to conditions suitable for cross-linking to occur. According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a ceramic and/or metallic component comprising the steps of: (a) combining water, ceramic and/or metallic powder, polymer, plasticiser, water soluble cross-linking agent precursor and optional further components to produce a mixture; (b) applying the mixture to a suitable substrate to form a layer of desired dimensions; (c) exposing the layer to conditions suitable for cross-linking to occur; (d) optionally removing from the substrate a flexible gelled material obtained following step (c); (e) optionally drying the flexible gelled material; (f) processing the flexible gelled material to desired shape; (g) firing flexible gelled material of desired shape to produce a ceramic and/or metallic component. Preferably the ceramic and/or metallic component is a component of a fuel cell, photo-voltaic cell, multi-layered capacitor or other micro-electronic component, prosthetic or surgical devices, refractory equipment, fibre optic device or transmission equipment.

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First Claim