Thin ceramic structures can be efficiently formed by the tape casting process, using a doctor blade for thickness control. A concentrated suspension of the ceramic precursor powder is made in a solvent system, with a polymeric binder, a dispersing agent, and other additives. For high performance ceramic applications, a non-aqueous solvent is generally preferred. The physical chemistry background leading to this choice is discussed, particularly in regard to the competing adsorptions of solvent, dispersant, and binder. Glyceryl trioleate is shown to be a useful dispersant for such systems, allowing dense compacts to be achieved, even with submicron particle sizes. Thus a refractory powder can be fired to nearly theoretical density at practical temperatures.