A comparative study of viscous polymer processed ceramics based on aqueous and non-aqueous binder systems

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is an important piezoelectric material which has wide range of applications as sensors, actuators and transducers. Various forms are required for different devices applications. In this work, extrusion and press forming of PZT ceramic rods and thick films produced via a viscous polymer processing (VPP) route have been investigated. The relationships between the rheology, microstructure and formability of both an aqueous and a non-aqueous polymer binder system have been compared. The non-aqueous PVB system exhibits substantially higher bulk yield stress during plug die flow and higher biaxial extensional stress during squeeze film flow compared to the aqueous PVA system. Discussion of the results is based on differences in the adsorption of the polymer onto the PZT particles and the migration behaviour of the polymer/solvent phase in the two systems.