Electrophoretic deposition of MgO thick films from an acetone suspension

Mechanism and kinetics of electrophoretic deposition in an MgO/acetone cell were studied. Linear relations of the deposition yield with voltage applied, time and particle concentration was experimentally verified at both very low concentration levels (∼0.02 wt.%) and short deposition times (∼5 s). Deposition was constantly cathodic with a particle mobility of 2.5×10−4cm2/V.s. Results were similar for all substrate materials employed. An optimum voltage range for obtaining uniform and sufficiently adherent films was established. Scanning electron micrograph observations revealed each particle to be independent in both migration and deposition processes. Under clean conditions, finely porous MgO films were reproducibly formed in suspensions of low concentrations.