Aqueous processing and mechanical properties of PLZT green tapes

Aqueous tape casting of lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) was performed using commercial poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) binders and various plasticizers. Colloidal properties of PLZT suspensions containing only polyelectrolyte dispersant were characterized by zeta potential, conductivity, and viscosity measurements. The effects of molecular weight as well as chemical structures of plasticizers and binders on green tapes were investigated by tensile testing. The tapes made from low molecular weight plasticizers showed higher plasticity, and glycerol was found to be the most effective plasticizer for PVA. Strong hydrogen bonding in high hydrolysis PVAs led to green tapes with high strength and high bulk density, but caused deformation of the tapes after drying.