Tape casting of multilayer YAG-Nd:YAG transparent ceramics for laser applications: Study of green tapes properties

In this study, the mechanical properties of ceramic green tapes elaborated by tape casting were determined. The influence of slurry formulation (i.e. organic content and binder-to-plasticiser volume ratio) on these properties was studied. In the studied formulation domain with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) as binder (B) and plasticiser (P) respectively, it was shown that maximum elongation, maximum stress and Young’s modulus are increased for higher organic content and B/P ratio. This work also shows the possibility to manufacture multi-layered transparent ceramics for waveguide applications by the tape casting process. In that case, a compromise has been identified between good mechanical properties and low organic content that can alter the transparency of the material.