Fabrication and Characterization of PZT Suspensions for Stereolithography based on 3D Printing

PZT suspensions for photo-curable 3D printing were fabricated and their characteristics were evaluated. After mixing the PZT, photopolymer, photo-initiator, and dispersant for 10 min by using a high-shear mixer, the viscosity characteristics were investigated based on the powder content. To determine an appropriate dispersant content, the dispersant was mixed at 1, 3, and 5 wt% of the powder and a precipitation test was conducted for two hours. Consequently, it was confirmed that the dispersibility was excellent at 3 wt%. Through thermogravimetric analysis, it was confirmed that weight reduction occurred in the photopolymer between 120? and 500?, thereby providing a debinding heat treatment profile. The fabricated suspensions were cured using UV light, and the polymer was removed through debinding. Subsequently, the density and surface characteristics were analyzed by using the Archimedes method and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Consequently, compared with the theoretical density, an excellent characteristic of 97% was shown at a powder content of 87 wt%. Through X-ray diffraction analysis, it was confirmed that the crystallizability improved as the solid content increased. At the mixing ratio of 87 wt% powder and 13 wt% photo-curable resin, the viscosity was 3,100 cps, confirming an appropriate viscosity characteristic as a stereolithography suspension for 3D printing. Key words: PZT ceramics, 3D printing, Stereolithography, PZT Suspensions, Viscosity