Tape Casting of BaTiO3

For the past two years we have been investigating the tape casting of BaTiO3 Specifically we have been interested in developing a useful tape casting formulation and procedure and in studying the effects of powder particle size distribution and dispersion processes on the forming of BaTiO3 tapes.The formulation we have developed is non-aqueous. An MEKethanol mixture is the solvent and an acrylic binder is used. Two dispersants are being used, a phosphate ester and Menhaden fish oil. Ultrasonic dispersion was found to be effective in breaking up weak powder agglomerates. We have found it important to add the dispersant before adding other organic components to obtain the best dispersion and strongest tapes. The drying method is also important to tape strength. The strongest tapes resulted when the tape was removed from the glass plate soon after casting. We have also demonstrated that for forming purposes a wide particle size distribution is preferred.