Rheological properties of PZT suspensions for stereolithography

The study of the rheological behaviour of PZT suspensions is essential to a better understanding of piezocomposites fabrication through stereolithography process. Research concerns the influence of fillers contents, surfactant doses, temperature and resin nature on suspensions rheological behaviour. They have led to the choice of two photosensitive suspensions suitable for stereolithography purpose; which use depends on the fillers content. Furthermore, the stereolithography process has been modified owing to the balance between suspensions rheological and photochemical properties in order to shape piezoelectric ceramics. Thanks to these improvements, PZT ceramics/polymer composites dedicated to transducers and medical imaging applications have been fabricated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.