Qualitative analysis of PZT (52/48) MPB using different synthesis methods

The current work reports a comparison between the structural and optical attributes of PZT (52/48) powder and thin film prepared via solid-state reaction and sol-gel spin-coating technique, respectively. The two obtained PZT samples, PZT-I corresponding to powder which was calcined at 875°C for 2 h, and PZT-II corresponding to a thin film which was annealed at 650°C for 2 h, were investigated via X-Ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, UV–Vis Spectroscopy, and SEM analysis. The diffraction spectra suggested the creation of a polycrystalline perovskite structure in both the samples. The optical band gap was evaluated using Tauc's relation. The bandgap values were found to be 3.2 eV for PZT-I and 3.87 eV for PZT-II. The bandgap values are significantly different for the PZT materials prepared by the two different methods.     

UV curing-assisted 3D plotting of ceramic feedstock containing thermo-regulated phase-separable,photocurable vehicle for dual-scale porosity structure

We propose a novel approach for manufacturing dual-scale porosity alumina structures by UV curing-assisted 3D plotting of a specially formulated alumina feedstock using a thermo-regulated phase separable, photocurable camphene/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) vehicle. In particular, 3D plotting process was conducted at - 5 °C, and thus an alumina suspension prepared using liquid camphene/TEGDMA at room temperature could undergo phase separation, resulting in camphene crystals surrounded by walls comprised of liquid photopolymer enclosing alumina particles. To enhance the shape retention ability of extruded filaments, polystyrene (PS) polymer was used as the tackifier. The phase-separated feedrod could be extruded favorably through a nozzle and rapidly photopolymerized by UV light during the 3D plotting process. Three-dimensionally interconnected macropores were tightly constructed, which were separated by microporous alumina filaments, where micropores were created by the removal of camphene crystals via freeze-dying. The macroporosity of porous alumina ceramics was controlled by adjusting the distance between deposited filaments, while their microporosity was kept constant, leading to tightly tailored overall porosity and mechanical properties.     

Effect mechanism of multiple obstacles on non-Newtonian flow in ceramics 3D printing (linear elements)

Direct ink writing (DIW) provides a new way to mould ceramic parts. When a single screw extruder is used to extrude SiC slurry, the deposits caused by low viscosity and the agglomerations resulting from the nonuniform mixing, form the obstacles in the channel, which affect the normal flow of the slurry, theoretical outlet velocity, and interaction with other printing parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism responsible for the effects of the obstacles on the flow. The obstacles are always irregular, which makes it difficult to directly analyse them. Irregular geometries are always composed of linear and/or arcuate elements; therefore, the obstacles can be simplified into regular geometries. In the present work, linear elements are analysed first. Then, an improved MRT LBM (multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method) with a pseudo external force is proposed for the flow analysis. The improved MRT LBM is combined with rheological test data to investigate cases with two obstacles, and the results are applied to reveal the general mechanism in cases with multiple obstacles. The results show that the angles, sizes, and positions of the obstacles are three important factors influencing the flow. To obtain a stable and controllable slurry flow, it is recommended that the first angle θ₁ be an acute angle. In addition, the number of obstacles should be minimized, and the position of the last obstacle should be far away from the outlet.     

UV-enhanced conductive and dielectric properties in KTN crystal

We observe enhancements of both conductive and dielectric properties under UV illumination by using a ferroelectric absorber, potassium tantalate niobate (KTa_1-xNb_xO₃, KTN). The UV-generated electron-hole pairs weaken the intrinsic ferroelectric polarization while enhance the conductive property. The UV-induced heat effect causes the enhancement of the dielectric property. The results are further confirmed by the maximal rectification ratio which shows an opposite trend between the direct heating process and the UV illumination. Our results are useful for better understanding of ferroelectric properties under UV illumination and the development of new optoelectronic devices.     

Damage tolerance in additively manufactured ceramic architected materials

Technical ceramics exhibit exceptional high-temperature properties, but unfortunately their extreme crack sensitivity and high melting point make it challenging to manufacture geometrically complex structures with sufficient strength and toughness. Emerging additive manufacturing technologies enable the fabrication of large-scale complex-shape artifacts with architected internal topology; when such topology can be arranged at the microscale, the defect population can be controlled, thus improving the strength of the material. Here, ceramic micro-architected materials are fabricated using direct ink writing (DIW) of an alumina nanoparticle-loaded ink, followed by sintering. After characterizing the rheology of the ink and extracting optimal processing parameters, the microstructure of the sintered structures is investigated to assess composition, density, grain size and defect population. Mechanical experiments reveal that woodpile architected materials with relative densities of 0.38–0.73 exhibit higher strength and damage tolerance than fully dense ceramics printed under identical conditions, an intriguing feature that can be attributed to topological toughening.     

Ternary type BaY2ZnO5: Eu3+ deep-red phosphor for possible latent fingerprint,security ink and WLED applications

Pc-WLEDs are considered to play a spectacular role in future generation light sources in view of their outstanding energy efficiency. In this regard, Eu³⁺ activated BaY₂ZnO₅ phosphor was prepared and investigated by XRD, PL and SEM analyses. Rietveld refinement analysis was carried out to confirm the structure of the synthesized phosphor. The prepared phosphor shows an intense red emission around 627 nm under excitation by near UV light. The ⁵D₀-⁷F₂ transition intensity of the prepared phosphor is three times higher compared to the commercial (Y,Gd)BO₃:Eu³⁺ red phosphor. The CIE colour coordinates of BaY₂ZnO₅:Eu³⁺ (9mol%) phosphor corresponds to be (0.6169, 0.3742) and it has a high 97.9 % colour purity. The obtained results reveal the utility of BaY₂ZnO₅:Eu³⁺ phosphor as an efficient red component in WLEDs, anti-counterfeiting and fingerprint detection applications.