Forming nanometer TiO2 sheets by nonaqueous tape casting

The condition for the preparation of stable nanometer TiO2 slurries by nonaqueous tape casting was indentified. To acquire stable low-viscosity slurries, the influences of solvent, dispersant and solid content on the rheological properties were investigated. The azeotropic mixtures (ethanol/methyl ethyl ketone) and Polyester/Polyamine Copolymer (KD-1) could serve as good solvent and dispersant, respectively. The slurries of nanometer TiO2 behaved as near Newtonian up to a solid loading of 34 vol.%. Films of TiO2 had very good qualities, such as homogeneity, surface quality, absence of bubbles and cracks, which indicated that slurries at selected conditions met the needs of tape casting process. The relative density of 24 and 34 vol.% sintered sheet was 51 and 69%, respectively. Results indicated the density increased with the solid content, sintering temperature and pressure.