SHAPING RADIATION CURABLE COLLOIDAL DISPERSIONS - FROM POLYMER/CERAMIC FIBERS AND MICROSPHERES TO GRADIENT POROSITY CERAMIC BULK MATERIALS

摘要

In this work we present novel technologies for shaping of radiation curable ceramic colloidal dispersions into polymer/ceramic and ceramic fibers, microspheres and cellular articles. High loading, low viscosity ceramic nanoparticle dispersions in UV curable monomer mixtures are achieved by proper choice of monomers or use of special comb-polyelectrolyte surfactants. Novel ceramic/polymer nanocomposite fibers are produced by continuous "on the fly" curing of the UV curable colloidal ceramic dispersions structured through a micro-extrusion die. The method is advantageous to obtain multifunctional composite fibers, small diameter ceramic fibers and robocasting applications. The wide choice of monomers enables composites with tailored properties required for woven products and the low processing temperature benefits applications in biomedicine. UV curable colloidal dispersions containing pore formers are found advantageous for the production of inorganic microspheres and cellular articles. Cellular ceramic articles with high porosity and well controlled cell size and shape are produced.