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.