Layering laser-assisted sintering of functional graded porous PZT ceramoplasts

Abstract

Within the scope of the present study, the three-dimensional (3D) samples from poly(vinylidene fluoride) plus lead zirconate titanate (PVDF+PZT) and silica+PZT powdered compositions were successfully prepared by the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. The optimal regimes for the layer-by-layer fabrication of 3D samples were determined both for wavelengths of 10.6 and 1.06 μm. The sample structure and element composition were characterized by the use of the scanning electronic microscope in combination with the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) analysis. It was shown that after the SLS process, the initial perovskite phase did not undergo any significant structural changes. The results of characterization tests testified to the decease of the sample density and opened porosity by the 2–5 times as compared to the solid PZT that seems to be useful for acoustic applications. A comparative estimate of the PVDF destruction process was fulfilled for the laser wavelength of 10.6 and 1.06 μm, by using infrared spectroscopy, photo calorimetrical and chromatography measurements, sol-gel and viscosity analysis. It was found that the structuring velocity had diametrically opposite behavior for these wavelengths: it grows with the laser power increase for λ = 10.6 μm and, vice versa, it falls for λ = 1.06 μm.