Effects of solvent mixtures on dispersion of lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate tape casting slurries

The effects of xylenes/ethanol solvent mixtures on lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) nonaqueous suspensions mere investigated by measuring sediment height, viscosity, and adsorption of dispersant, Well-dispersed colloidal suspensions mere obtained in xylene-rich solvents with a minimum amount of menhaden fish oil as a dispersant. It was also shown that adsorption of dispersant on particle surfaces strongly depends on selection of solvent(s), The ratio of solvent mixture affects PLZT solids content of unfired tapes, in which using insufficient as well as excess dispersant could decrease the packing density of particles. Solubility of other organic additives, such as binder, was also considered when selecting a xylene/ethanol ratio.