Electrophoretic deposition of alumina and zirconia: I. Single-component systems

Electrophoretic deposition of Al2O3 and ZrO2 suspended in isopropanol in the presence of monochloroacetic acid and polyvinylbutyral under constant-current conditions was studied. The deposition of ceramic particles occurred on the anode. An optimum deposition in terms of surface flatness, deposit density and thickness was found for 15 wt.% of monochloroacetic acid in isopropanol. The electrophoretic mobility of alumina particles in this suspension was determined from deposition kinetics. The sintering behaviour, hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of Al2O3 and ZrO2 electrophoretic deposits were comparable with the values measured for the specimens prepared from identical powders by injection moulding and cold isostatic pressing or with the values given in the literature.