Local flow assisted platelet template alignment and corresponding alumina texturing in ceramic stereolithography process

Abstract

Using local slurry laminar flow to align alumina platelet in the slurry and fabricate textured alumina by ceramic stereolithography has been shown with potential. However, the alignment process of alumina platelet and the corresponding texturing of alumina based on this method have not yet been revealed. This study systematically analyzed the mechanism of aligning alumina platelet in the local flow and the evolution of the microstructure of textured grain. The results showed that with the increase of the alumina platelet content in the slurry, the thickness of the grains gradually decreased. After sintering at 1600 °C for 2 h, textured alumina had mainly the crystal plane of (1010). The textured alumina with 15 vol% alumina platelet addition had the highest Lotgering factor (65 %) of (1010). The alumina platelet located in the middle and bottom of the local flow field aligned slower during the flow process. The distribution of flow velocity gradient was the main factor determining the alignment of alumina platelet.