3D Printing of ZrO_2 Ceramic using Nano-zirconia Suspension as a Binder

摘要

3D printing is applied to fabricate complex structure green ceramic parts rapidly. In this study, ZrO_2 ceramic were fabricated by 3D printing and sintering operation. In the 3D printing process of ZrO_2 green bodies, zirconia/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) mixture was chosen as a precursor powder material, while nano-zirconia suspension as a binder. Green bodies were sintered at 1400 °C for 2 hours. The effect of nano-zirconia suspension content on physical and mechanical properties of fabricated ZrO_2 ceramic bodies was studied. It was found that the increment of binder content from 50% to 125% would result in an increase of relative density of green bodies. Also, it gives an increase of relative density and bending strength of the sintered bodies and a significantly decrease of linear shrinkage of sintered bodies.