Gel-casting is a novel method for moulding ceramic powder based on concepts derived from traditional ceramics and polymer chemistry. In this paper gel-casting of silicon powder is investigated. It is based on the in situ polymerization of acrylamide monomers as the setting mechanism far forming the green body. It has the following features; slurries with high solids loading and low viscosity (1.2 Pa.s at 75% solids), dried green bodies containing less than 4 wt % binder, linear shrinkage of about 2.9%, a density of 142 kg.m(-3), a mechanical strength of 32 MPa.s, and also the ability to gel in the presence of O-2 and to fabricate complex shaped bodies.

In Qajar period, foreign countries (Europe and China) dominated markets of Iran and other Muslim countries with their inexpensive exports. With growing imports in the 19th century (13-14 AH) many native industries of Iran declined. Potteries and ceramics of the Qajar period were not exception to such influences and their production was limited to domestic markets and in many cases they were influenced by imported samples.The aim of this paper is to analyse and compare types of ceramics (15 domestic samples and 18 foreign samples) in Qajar period and investigate the impacts of imported ones on the design and motif of Iranian samples. In this regard, the following question is raised:What influences have the foreign ceramics had on motif and design of domestic potteries and ceramics in Qajar period?These effects are considered in four categories: blue and white potteries (especially ones made in Nain), Enamelled porcelains inspired from Chinese imported samples, potteries imitated from Iznik samples and polychrome ceramic wares.Research results show that in the first three groups of this classification the direct effects on design and motif are quite obvious. However, in some cases, indirect effects can be observed as well. But in the fourth group, these effects are almost indirect. That is to say, they reflect the influence of European painting principles such as nudism, using perspective principles, European landscapes and scenes of human life on Qajar painting.The method of this article is descriptive-analytical and the data has been gathered via library and field methods.