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Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 5.4 Multimateriale Fertigungsprozesse (211) (entfernen)
Paper des Monats
- ja (3)
Calcium cobaltite is one of the most promising oxide p-type thermoelectric materials. The solid-state reaction (or calcination, respectively), which is well known for large-scale powder synthesis of functional materials, can also be used for the synthesis of thermoelectric oxides. There are various calcination routines in literature for Ca3Co4O9 powder synthesis, but no systematic study has been done on the influence of calcination procedure on thermoelectric properties. Therefore, the influence of calcination conditions on the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity was studied by modifying calcination temperature, dwell time, particle size of raw materials and number of calcination cycles. This study shows that elevated temperatures, longer dwell times, or repeated calcinations during powder synthesis do not improve but deteriorate the thermoelectric properties of calcium cobaltite. Diffusion during calcination leads to idiomorphic grain growth, which lowers the driving force for sintering of the calcined powder. A lower driving force for sintering reduces the densification. The electrical conductivity increases linearly with densification. The calcination procedure barely influences the Seebeck coefficient. The calcination procedure has no influence on the phase formation of the sintered specimens.
The possibility to produce dense monolithic ceramic parts with additive manufacturing is at the moment restricted to small parts with low wall thickness. Up to now, the additive manufacturing of voluminous ceramic parts is realized by powder bed based processes which, however, generate parts with residual porosity. Via infiltration these parts can be processed to dense parts like for example SiC but this is not possible for all ceramics like for example Si3N4. There is a lack of methods for the additive manufacturing of dense voluminous parts for most ceramics.
We have developed a new additive manufacturing technology, the Laser Induced Slip casting (LIS), based on the layerwise deposition of slurries and their local drying by laser radiation. Laser Induced Slip casting generates ceramic green bodies which can be sintered to dense ceramic components like traditional formed ceramic powder compacts. We will introduce the LIS technology, green bodies and sintered parts will be shown and their microstructure and mechanical properties will be discussed.
Soiling of photovoltaic (PV) systems compromises their performance causing a significant power loss and demanding periodical cleaning actions. This phenomenon raises great concerns in the solar energy field, thus leading to notable research efforts over the last decades. Soiling is caused by a dual action of dust deposition and biofouling. However, surprisingly, the microbiological contribution to PV soiling is often overlooked or underestimated. In this study, a variety of qPCR-based methods have been developed to quantify the microbial load of fungi, bacteria and phototrophs on PV panels. These protocols were evaluated by comparison with culturedependent methods, and were implemented with real solar plants for two years. The results show that the developed molecular methods are highly sensitive and reliable to monitor the microbial component of the soiling. Fungal biomass was clearly dominant in all analysed PV modules, while bacteria and phototrophs showed much lower abundance. Light microscopy and qPCR results revealed that melanised microcolonial fungi and phototrophs are the main biofilm-forming microorganisms on the studied solar panels. In particular, the fungal qPCR protocol is proposed as a useful tool for monitoring of PV soiling, and investigating the microbial contribution to specific soiling cases.
Today, more than 12% of the primary energy is lost in the form of waste heat. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can convert waste heat directly into electrical power by utilizing the Seebeck effect. The performance of such a generator is defined by a dimensionless figure of merit ZT of the thermoelectric pairs and the resistance R of the metallic contacts between these pairs. The figure of merit of thermoelectric oxides is considerably smaller compared to semiconductors. Still, thermoelectric oxides like calcium cobaltite (Ca3Co4O9) are attractive for applications at elevated temperatures in air. In contrast to the established π-type architecture of common TEGs, tape casting and multilayer technology may be applied for cost-effective manufacturing of oxide TEGs. Promising demonstrations of multilayer TEGs have been published in the last years. Still, the development of reliable and scalable manufacturing processes and proper material combinations is necessary. The aim of our project is to evaluate the feasibility of low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology for a practical manufacturing of oxide multilayer TEGs of Ca3Co4O9 (p-type) and calcium manganate (CaMnO3, n-type). Ca3Co4O9 exhibits an undesired phase decomposition at 926 °C. Because of that, the application of sintering strategies and interconnect concepts well known from LTCC technology is a promising approach. We present results of pressure-assisted sintering of Ca3Co4O9 multilayer at 900 °C and axial pressures of up to 7.5 MPa. Ca3Co4O9 was produced by solid state reaction of CaCO3 and cobalt(II,III)oxide at 900 °C. Green tapes were prepared by a doctor-blade process, manually stacked and laminated by uniaxial thermocompression. Sintering was conducted in a LTCC sintering press between SiC setter plates. The thickness shrinkage was recorded by an in-situ technique. After sintering under 7.5 MPa, the microstructure of the single phase material shows a high density of 95 % and an advantageous alignment of the platelet grains. This results in good electrical conductivity and a comparatively high ZT of 0.018 at room temperature. However, the lowering of CaMnO3 sintering temperature from above 1200 °C to below 920 °C remains a challenge. To select a proper metal paste for interconnections of an oxide TEG, several pastes have been investigated regarding contact resistance of internal and external (soldered) connections in a preliminary study. Commercial pastes containing Ag, Au, Au/Pt, Ag/Pd, and Ag/Pd/Bi were manually applied and post-fired on sintered test bars of Ca3Co4O9 and CaMnO3 at 900 °C for 2 h. All tested pastes formed mechanically stable metallization after firing. For resistance measurement, 4-wire method and a custom-made probe head were used. The contacts on Ca3Co4O9 exhibit significantly (2-sample t-test, α = 5%) higher resistance compared to contacts on CaMnO3. Pure silver paste exhibits the lowest resistance for internal contacts on both materials, lower than 5 mΩ on CaMnO3. Ag/Pd/Bi paste resulted in conspicuously high variance of resistance. EDX analyses clarified an enrichment of Bi in the thermoelectric material near the interface and thereby the formation of an oxide layer with probably high electrical resistance. The thickness of that layer varies with the thickness of metallization. In conclusion, the use of Bi containing pastes is not advisable. Pure Ag paste shows the best results regarding resistance and solderability.
Helical springs with a rectangular cross-section have been machined from sintered and grinded hollow cylinders with high geometrical precision and good reproducibility. Such springs made from tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) ceramic show excellent edge quality because of high fracture toughness and bending strength of the starting material. Hence, springs with desired geometric dimension and tailored spring constant can be manufactured for highly demanding applications at high temperatures and in harsh environments.
Prior to any practical use, application limits of springs under mechanical and thermal load have to be analyzed. Therefore, different displacement experiments were carried out on the helical TZP springs.
- Dynamic displacement tests at various temperatures from -15°C to +60°C using a piezo actor to load/unload springs with frequencies between 1 and 40 Hz: Springs remained undamaged and the spring constants were not altered, even after more than one million cycles of compression loading.
- Long-time displacement measurements under static tensile loading at room temperature with a high-precision interferometer test facility: Significant spring elongation under constant strain was surprisingly proved over a period of many hours already at room temperature.
- Creeping experiments for 48 h under static compression load at different temperatures up to 1000 °C: After cooling down and load removing no permanent length reduction of springs was observed for test temperatures up to 700 °C. However, reshaping of TZP springs by plastic deformation is possible at higher temperatures and opens up additional possibilities for spring design and manufacturing.
Thermoelectric materials can convert waste heat directly into electrical power by using the Seebeck effect. Calcium cobaltite Ca3Co4O9 is a promising p-type oxide thermoelectric material for applications between 600 °C and 900 °C in air. The properties and morphology of Ca3Co4O9 are strongly anisotropic because of its crystal structure of alternating layers of CoO2 and Ca2CoO3. By aligning the plate-like grains, the anisotropic properties can be assigned to the component. Pressure-assisted sintering (PAS), as known from large-scale production of low temperature co-fired ceramics, was used to sinter multilayers of Ca3Co4O9 green tape at 900 °C with different pressures and dwell times. In-situ shrinkage measurements, microstructural investigations and electric measurements were performed. Pressure-less sintered multilayers have a 2.5 times higher electrical conductivity at room temperature than dry pressed test bars with randomly oriented particles. The combination of tape casting and PAS induces a pronounced alignment of the anisotropic grains. Relative density increases from 57 % after free sintering for 24 h to 94 % after 2 h of PAS with 10 MPa axial load. By applying a uniaxial pressure of 10 MPa during sintering, the electrical conductivity (at 25°C) improves by a factor of 15 compared to test bars with randomly oriented particles. The high temperature thermoelectric properties show the same dependencies. The smaller the applied axial load, the lower the relative densities, and the lower the electrical conductivity. Longer dwell times may increase the density and the electrical conductivity significantly if the microstructure is less densified as in the case of a small axial load like 2 MPa. At higher applied pressures the dwell time has no significant influence on the thermoelectric properties. This study shows that PAS is a proper technique to produce dense Ca3Co4O9 panels with good thermoelectric properties similar to hot-pressed tablets, even in large-scale production.
Powder based Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes are widely used for metallic and polymeric materials, but rarely commercially used for ceramic materials, especially for technical ceramics. This seemingly contradicting observation is explained by the fact that in powder based AM, a dry flowable powder needs to be used. Technical ceramics powders are in fact typically very fine and poorly flowable, which makes them not suitable for AM. The layerwise slurry deposition (LSD) is an innovative process for the deposition of powder layers with a high packing density for powder based AM. In the LSD process, a ceramic slurry is deposited to form thin powder layers, rather than using a dry powder This allows the use of fine powders and achieves high packing density (55-60%) in the layers after drying. When coupled with a printing head or with a laser source, the LSD enables novel AM technologies which are similar to *Denotes Presenter 42nd International Conference & Exposition on Advanced Ceramics & Composites 127 Abstracts the 3D printing or selective laser sintering, but taking advantage of having a highly dense powder bed. The LSD -3D printing, in particular, offers the potential of producing large (> 100 mm) and high quality ceramic parts, with microstructure and properties similar to traditional processing. This presentation will give an overview of the milestones in the development of this technology, with focus on the latest results applied both to silicate and to technical ceramics.
Thermoelektrische Materialien können durch die Nutzung des Seebeckeffektes einen Temperaturunterschied direkt in eine Spannung umwandeln. Calciumcobaltit (p-typ) und Calciummanagant (n-typ) sind 2 der vielversprechendsten oxidischen thermoelektrischen Materialien. Für die Entwicklung von kostengünstigen Multilayergeneratoren ist das Co-sintern dieser beiden Materialien notwendig und deshalb eine Anpassung der Sintertemperatur nötig. Calciummangant wird herkömmlicherweise zwischen 1200°C und 1350°C gesintert. Calciumcobaltit erfährt einen ungewünschte Phasenumwandlung bei 926°C, es kann allerding bei 900°C unter 7.5MPa zu 95% dicht gesintert werden. Demzufolge, ist eine Co-sintertemperatur von 900°C anzustreben. Aus diesem Grund wurden mehrere Strategien zur Absenkung der Sintertemperatur von Calciummanaganat untersucht. Zum einen die Zugabe niedrigschmelzender Additive, zum anderen die Zugabe von Additiven, die eine eutektische Schmelze bilden. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass für Calciummanganat die Verwendung von eutektischen Schmelzen besser geeignet ist als die Verwendung von niedrigschmelzenden Additiven um die Sintertemperatur zu senken.“
The sintering behavior and the thermoelectric performance of Ca3Co4O9 multilayer laminates were studied, and a multilayer thermoelectric generator was fabricated. Compacts and multilayer samples with anisotropic microstructure and residual porosity were obtained after conventional sintering at 920 °C, whereas dense and isotropic multilayer samples were prepared by firing at 1200 °C and reoxidation at 900 °C. A hot-pressed sample has a dense and anisotropic microstructure. Samples sintered at 920 °C exhibit low electrical conductivity due to the low density, whereas the Seebeck coefficient is not sensitive to preparation conditions. However, thermal conductivity of multilayers is very low, and, hence acceptable ZT values are obtained. A ransversal multilayer thermoelectric generator (TMLTEG) was fabricated by stacking layers of Ca3Co4O9 green tapes, AgPd conductor printing, and co-firing at 920 °C. The TMLTEG has a power output of 3 mW at ΔT =200 K in the temperature interval of 25 °C to 300 °C.
Sand erosion of solar glass: Specific energy uptake, total transmittance, and module efficiency
(2018)
Surface roughness, R Z , normal transmittance, Τ N , total transmittance, Τ T , and photovoltaic (PV) module efficiency, η S , were measured for commercial solar glass plates and PV test modules identically sandblasted with different loads of quartz sand (200 – 400 μ m), impact inclination angles, and sand particle speed. Measured data are presented versus the specific energy uptake during sand blasting, E (J/m2). Cracks, adhering particles, and scratch ‐ like textures probably caused by plastic flow phenomena could be observed after sand blasting. Their characteristic size was much smaller than that of sand particles.
After blasting and subsequent cleaning, the glass surface was still covered with adhering glass particles. These particles, cracks, and scratch ‐ like textures could not be removed by cleaning. For sand blasting with α = 30° inclination angle and E = 30 000 J/m2, normal transmittance, total transmittance, and relative module efficiency decreased by 29%, 2% and ∽ 2%, respectively. This finding indicates that diffusive transmission of light substantially contributes to PV module efficiency and that the module efficiency decrease caused by sand erosion can be better estimated from total than by normal transmittance measurements.
Dry pressing of ceramic materials requires homogeneously soft granules with good flowability to allow rapid die filling and to avoid packing defects. Spray-drying granulation appears to be the best method for obtaining granules with high flowability in industrial scale. But, strength reducing internal microstructural defects caused by spray-dried granules with hollow and hard shells are often observed using nano and/or multi-component starting powders.
Using the example of a ZTA composite, the potential of slurry optimization, ultrasound atomization and infrared drying for better granule properties and compaction behavior were investigated. Starting granules produced in a conventional spray dryer (Niro, Denmark) with a two fluid nozzle showed typical defects like large central pores and dimples.
The early step of slurry preparation already possesses an essential optimization possibility in the form of stability adjustments. Granule compaction was clearly improved upon a specific reduction in slurry stability. The second optimization opportunity to improve the granule quality was the atomization step. Implementation of an ultrasound atomizing unit into the conventional spray dryer positively affected granule size distribution and therefor flowability and as well granule yield. But, a combination of both process optimizations delivered the best sinter bodies with highest density and strength due to further reduction in maximum size and fraction of pores.
As last step of a spray drying process, the drying is the focus of further investigations. A current setup implying a spray dryer prototype utilizes stacked infrared heater in a countercurrent setup delivering a further increase in granule yield and enduring spraying process stability.
Dielectric strength testing of ceramics is simple and yet challenging. The execution of a breakthrough voltage measurement of a given sample is fast and straightforward. ASTM D149 describes the standardized procedure. But, there are versatile effects of test conditions and sample properties that affect the result of such a measurement. As one example, ASTM D149 allows different sizes of test electrodes and does not unambiguously prescribe the condition of the electrodes. Thus, different electrode configurations are used in the field. We conducted several test series on alumina samples to comprehensively quantify the effect of test conditions and sample properties on dielectric strength results. In our study, testing of alumina substrates using different electrode configurations resulted in differences of mean values of up to 20%. Further test series on alumina focused on the effect of voltage ramp rate. The results are complemented by calculations of failure probability at different voltage levels and corresponding withstand voltage tests. We conclude that a communication and comparison of single dielectric strength values is insufficient and may be misleading. A meaningful comparison of dielectric strength studies from different sources requires a thorough consideration of test conditions.
Lowering the sintering temperature of calcium manganate CaMnO3 for thermoelectric applications
(2018)
Thermoelectric materials can convert waste heat directly into electrical power by utilizing the Seebeck effect. Calcium cobaltite (p-type) and calcium manganate (n-type) are two of the most promising oxide thermoelectric materials. The development of cost-effective multilayer thermoelectric generators requires the co-firing of these materials and therefore the adjustment of sintering temperatures. Calcium manganate is conventionally sintered between 1200 °C and 1350 °C. Calcium cobaltite exhibits an undesired phase transition at 926 °C but can be sintered to high relative density of 95 % at 900 °C under axial pressure of 7.5 MPa. Hence, co-firing at 900 °C would be favourable. Therefore, strategies for lowering the sintering temperature of calcium manganate have been investigated. Basically, two approaches are common: i) addition of low melting additives like Bi2O3-ZnO-B2O3-SiO2 (BBSZ) glass or Bi2O3, and ii) addition of additives that form low-melting eutectics with the base material, for example CuO. In this study, several low melting additives including BBSZ glass and Bi2O3, as well as CuO were tested regarding their effect on calcium manganate densification. Bi2O3 did not improve the densification, whereas BBSZ glass led to 10 % higher relative density at 1200 °C. An addition of 4 wt% CuO decreases the temperature of maximum sinter rate from above 1200 °C to 1040 °C. By reducing the particle size of the raw materials from 2 μm to 0.7 μm the maximum sinter rate could be further shifted 20 K towards lower temperatures and the sinter begin decreased from 920 °C to 740 °C. It is shown that eutectic phase formation is more effective in lowering sintering temperature and accelerating densification than low-melting additives.
The EU recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) should allow the identification of a particulate nanomaterial based on the number-based metric criterion according to which at least 50% of the constituent particles have the smallest dimension between 1 and 100 nm. Within the European Project NanoDefine (www.nanodefine.eu) a two-tier approach has been developed, whereby firstly a screening method is applied for the rough classification as a nanomaterial or non-nanomaterial, and for borderline cases a confirmatory method (imaging methods or field flow fractionation) must be considered.
One of the measurement methods well suited to particulate powder is the determination of volume-specific surface area (VSSA) by means of gas adsorption as well as skeletal density. The value of 60 m2/cm3 corresponding to spherical, monodisperse particles with a diameter of 100 nm constitutes the threshold for decisioning if the material is a nanomaterial or non-nanomaterial. The correct identification of a nanomaterial by VSSA method (positive test) is accepted by the EU recommendation.
However, the application of the VSSA method is associated also by some limitations. The threshold of 60 m2/cm3 is dependent on the particle shape. For particles containing micro-pores or having a microporous coating, false positive results will be produced.
Furthermore, broad particle size distributions – as typically for ceramic materials – as well as multi-modal size distributions make necessary to adjust the threshold.
Based on examples of commercially available ceramic powders, the applicability of the VSSA approach will be tested (in relation with SEM and TEM measurements) in order to expand the actual knowledge and
improve the method.
Im Vortrag werden das Messprinzip des Zentrifugen-Sedimentationsverfahrens erläutert und die Anforderungen der zugrundeliegenden Normen diskutiert. Es schließen sich umfangreiche Ausführungen zur praktischen Durchführung der Messung, insbesondere auch zu den vorbereitenden Arbeiten, sowie zur Auswertung der Rohdaten an. Nach einem Vergleich der Ergebnisse mit anderen Messverfahren, wird das Verfahren in einer Zusammenfassung bewertet.
The EC’s recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) should allow the identification of a particulate nanomaterial based on the number-based metric criterion according to which at least 50% of the constituent particles have the smallest dimension between 1 and 100 nm. However, it has been recently demonstrated that the implementation of this definition for regulatory purposes is conditioned by the large deviations between the results obtained by different sizing methods or due to practical reasons such as high costs and time-consuming (SEM, TEM).
Within the European project NanoDefine (www.nanodefine.eu) a two-tier approach has been developed, whereby firstly a screening method is applied for the rough classification as a nano-/non-nanomaterial, and for borderline cases a confirmatory method (imaging methods or field flow fractionation) must be considered.
One of the measurement methods well suited to particulate powder is the determination of volume-specific surface area (VSSA) by means of gas adsorption as well as skeletal density. The value of 60 m2/cm3 corresponding to spherical, monodisperse particles with a diameter of 100 nm constitutes the threshold for decisioning if the material is a nano- or non-nanomaterial. The correct identification of a nanomaterial by VSSA method is accepted by the EU recommendation.
However, the application of the VSSA method is associated also by some limitations. The threshold of 60 m2/cm3 is dependent on the particle shape, so that it changes considerably with the number of nano-dimensions of the particles. For particles containing micro-pores or having a microporous coating false positive results will be produced. Furthermore, broad particle size distributions make necessary to adjust the threshold. Based on examples of commercially available ceramic powders, the applicability of the VSSA approach will be tested (in relation with SEM and TEM measurements) in order to expand the actual knowledge and to improve this good available and agglomeration tolerant method.
Wollastonite (CaSiO 3 ) – diopside (CaMgSi 2 O 6 ) glass-ceramic scaffolds have been successfully fabricated using two different additive manufacturing techniques: powder-based 3D printing (3DP) and digital light processing (DLP), coupled with the sinter-crystallization of glass powders with two different compositions. The adopted manufacturing process depended on the balance between viscous flow sintering and crystallization of the glass particles, in turn in fluenced by the powder size and the sensitivity of CaO – MgO – SiO 2 glasses to surface nucleation. 3DP used coarser glass powders and was more appropriate for low temperature firing (800 – 900 °C), leading to samples with limited crystallization. On the contrary, DLP used finer glass powders, leading to highly crystallized glass-ceramic samples. Despite the differences in manufacturing technology and crystallization, all samples featured very good strength-to-density ratios, which bene fit theiruse for bone tissue engineering applications. The bioactivity of 3D-printed glass-ceramics after immersion in simulated body fluid and the similarities, in terms of ionic releases and hydroxyapatite formation with already validated bioactive glass-ceramics, were preliminarily assessed.
The Layerwise Slurry Deposition is a technology for the deposition of highly packed powder layers. A powder bed is achieved by depositing and drying layers of a ceramic suspension by means of a doctor blade. This deposition technique was combined with the binder jetting technology to develop a novel Additive Manufacturing technology, named LSD-print. The LSD-print was applied to a porcelain ceramic. It is shown that it was possible to produce parts with high definition, good surface finish and at the same time having physical and mechanical properties close to those of traditionally processed porcelain, e.g. by slip casting.
This technology shows high future potential for being integrated alongside traditional production of porce-lain, as it is easily scalable to large areas while maintaining a good definition. Both the Layerwise Slurry Deposition method and the binder jetting technologies are readily scalable to areas as large as > 1 m2.
A shape evolution approach based on the thermally activated self-organization of 3D printed parts into minimal surface area structures is presented. With this strategy, the present communication opposes currently established additive manufacturing strategies aiming to stipulate each individual volumetric element (voxel) of a part. Instead, a 3D structure is roughly defined in a 3D printing process, with all its advantages, and an externally triggered self-organization allows the formation of structural elements with a definition greatly exceeding the volumetric resolution of the printing process. For enabling the self-organization of printed objects by viscous flow of material, functionally graded structures are printed as rigid frame and melting filler. This approach uniquely combines the freedom in design, provided by 3D printing, with the mathematical formulation of minimal surface structures and the knowledge of the physical potentials governing self-organization, to overcome the paradigm which strictly orrelates the geometrical definition of 3D printed parts to the volumetric resolution of the printing process. Moreover, a transient liquid phase allows local programming of functionalities, such as the alignment of functional particles, by means of electric or magnetic fields.
Tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP) can be used as bone graft, exhibiting suitable bioabsorption and osteoconduction properties. The presence of silica may induce the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer, enhancing the integration between implant and bone tissue. Preceramic polymers present silicon in their composition, being a source of SiO2 after thermal treatment. Using the versatility of 3D printing, b-TCP and a polysiloxane were combined to manufacture a bulkb-TCP with a silica coating. For the additive manufacturing process, PMMA powder was used as passive binder for the b-TCP particles, and polymethylsilsesquioxane (MK), dissolved in an organic solvent, was used both as a printing binder (ink) and as the source of SiO2 for the coating. Five distinct coating compositions were printed with increasing amounts of MK. The structures were then submitted to heat treatment at 1180 °C for 4 h. XRD and FTIR showed no chemical reaction between the calcium phosphate and silica. SEM allowed observation of a silicon-based ating on the structure surface. Mechanical strength of the sintered porous structures was within the range of that of trabecular bones.
Sintern
(2018)
Unter Sintern versteht man allgemein die Überführung eines aus Pulver geformten Rohlings in ein Formteil mit angestrebter Mikrostruktur bzw. gewünschten Gebrauchseigenschaften durch thermische Prozesse. In diesem Kapitel werden die Grundlagen zu Triebkräften und Kinetik sowie die prinzipiellen Mechanismen für Stofftransport und Verdichtung vorgestellt. Die verschiedenen Sintermechanismen Festphasensintern, Flüssigphasensintern und Reaktionssintern werden erläutert und mit einem Überblick über Drucksinterverfahren ergänzt. Abschließend wird ein Überblick über technologische Einflussfaktoren auf die Sinterung gegeben.
Calciumcobaltit und Calciummanganat gehören zu den vielversprechendsten thermoelektrischen Oxiden im Temperaturbereich zwischen 600 °C und 800 °C an Luft. Mittels thermoelektrischer Generatoren kann ein Temperaturgradient direkt in elektrische Leistung umgewandelt werden. Für die kostengünstige Pulverherstellung von Funktionsmaterialien wird im industriellen Maßstab meist die Festphasenreaktion (bzw. Kalzinierung) verwendet. Da es sich dabei um einen Hochtemperaturprozess handelt, ist diese Kalzinierung sehr energieintensiv. In der Literatur werden sehr unterschiedliche Prozessbedingungen zur Pulversynthese thermoelektrischer Oxide genutzt. Soweit dem Autor bekannt, ist keine systematische Untersuchung des Einflusses der Pulversynthesebedingungen auf die thermoelektrischen Eigenschaften publiziert.
Deshalb wurde eine systematische Untersuchung des Einflusses der Pulversynthesebedingungen (Temperatur, Haltezeit, Partikelgröße, Wiederholungen) auf die thermoelektrischen Eigenschaften von Calciumcobaltit und Calciummanganat durchgeführt.
Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass sich ein höherer Energieeintrag während der Kalzinierung negativ auf die thermoelektrischen Eigenschaften auswirkt.
Here we demonstrate that by applying exclusively Martian resources a processing route involving suspensions of mineral particles called slurries or slips can be established for manufacturing ceramics on Mars. We developed water-based slurries without the use of additives that had a 51 wt. % solid load resembling commercial porcelain slurries in respect to the particle size distribution and rheological properties. These slurries were used to slip cast discs, rings and vases that were sintered at temperatures between 1000 and 1130 °C using different sintering schedules, the latter were set-up according the results of hot-stage microscopic characterization. The microstructure, porosity and the mechanical properties were characterized by SEM, X-ray Computer tomography and Weibull analysis. Our wet processing of minerals yields ceramics with complex shapes that show similar mechanical properties to porcelain and could serve as a technology for future Mars colonization. The best quality parts with completely vitrificated matrix supporting a few idiomorphic crystals are obtained at 1130 °C with 10 h dwell time with volume and linear shrinkage as much as ~62% and ~17% and a characteristic compressive strength of 51 MPa.
Der Vortrag zeigt zwei Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung der VSSA-Screening-Methode zur Identifizierung von Nanopulvern auf. Bisher ist das Verfahren nur für monodisperse Partikel mit idealer Kugelform valide. Die Verteilungsbreite der Partikelgröße soll durch die Nutzung des Modells einer logarithmischen Normalverteilung implementiert werden. Die Abweichung der gemessenen Partikel von einer idealen Kugel in Sphärizität, Rundheit und Rauigkeit sind über einen Morphologiefaktor MF zu berücksichtigen. An einem konkreten Beispiel werden Auswirkungen der Implementierungen rechnerisch dargestellt und mit dem bisherigen Verfahren verglichen.
Biomaterials for bone replacement and grafting should possess sufficient strength, be bioresorbable and demonstrate osteoconductivity/osteoinductivity. Nowadays, hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) are the most widespread ceramics for bone grafting at the market, however, their resorption is reported, in some cases, to be not enough. This is why the search for more soluble ceramics compared to HA and TCP looks rather viable.
A possible way to increase ceramics solubility leads to partial substitution of Ca2+-ions in Ca3(PO4)2 by alkali castions, like Na+ or/and K+. Improvement of solubility stems from decreasing lattice energy of a substituted phase, as well as increase in hydration energy of the ions releasing from the phase to ambient solution. From this viewpoint, bioceramics based on compositions from Ca3(PO4)2 - CaKPO4 - CaNaPO4 ternary system seems to be prospective for bone replacement and grafting in sense of resorption properties. At the same time, one should bear in mind that solubility level (resorbability) is governed not only by reduction of lattice energy, but also by microstructure features. Grain sizes and porosity contribute much to dissolution rate making study of sintering of aforementioned ceramics highly important.
Powder bed -based technologies are amongst the most successful Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques. "Selective laser sintering/melting" (SLS/SLM) and "binder jetting 3D printing" (3DP) especially are leading AM technologies for metals and polymers, thanks to their high productivity and scalability. In this context, the "layerwise slurry deposition" (LSD) has been developed as a layer deposition method which enables the use of SLS/SLM and 3DP technologies for advanced ceramic materials. LSD consists in the layer-by-layer deposition of a ceramic slurry by means of a doctor blade. Each layer is deposited and dried to achieve a highly packed powder layer, which can be used for SLM or for 3DP. This technique offers high flexibility in the ceramic feedstock used, especially concerning material and particle size, and is capable of producing parts with physical and mechanical properties comparable to traditionally shaped parts. In this presentation, the LSD technique will be introduced and several examples of application to porcelain, SiC and alumina products will be reported.
In powder-based Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes, an object is produced by successively depositing thin layers of a powder material and by inscribing the cross section of the object in each layer. The main methods to inscribe a layer are by binder jetting (also known as powder 3D printing) or by selective laser sintering/melting (SLS/SLM).
Powder-based AM processes have found wide application for several metallic, polymeric and also ceramic materials, due to their advantages in combining flexibility, easy upscaling and (often) good material properties of their products.
The deposition of homogeneous layers is key to the reproducibility of these processes and has a direct influence on the quality of the final parts. Accordingly, powder properties such as particle size distribution, shape, roughness and process related properties such as powder flowability and packing density need to be carefully evaluated.
Due to these requirements, these processes have been so far precluded to find commercial use for certain applications. In the following, two outstanding cases will be presented.
A first example is that powder-based AM processes are widely used for many metallic and polymeric materials, but they find no commercial application for most technical ceramics.
This seemingly contradicting observation is explained by the fact that in powder based AM, a dry flowable powder needs to be used. The processing of technical ceramics in fact typically requires very fine and poorly flowable powder, which makes them not suitable for the standard processes. There have been several approaches to adapt the raw materials to the process (e.g. by granulation), but in order to maintain the superior properties of technical ceramics it seems necessary to follow the opposite approach and adapt the process to the raw materials instead.
This was the motivation for developing the Layerwise Slurry Deposition (LSD), an innovative process for the deposition of powder layers with a high packing density. In the LSD process, a ceramic slurry is deposited to form thin powder layers, rather than using a dry powder. This allows achieving high packing density (55-60%) in the layers after drying. It is also important, that standard ceramic raw materials can be used. When coupled with a printing head or with a laser source, the LSD enables novel AM technologies which are similar to 3D printing or selective laser sintering, but taking advantage of having a highly dense powder bed.
The LSD -3D printing, in particular, offers the potential of producing large (> 100 mm) and high quality ceramic parts, with microstructure and properties similar to traditional processing. Moreover, due to the compact powder bed, no support structures are required for fixation of the part in the printing process.
Figure 1 shows the schematics of the working principle of the LSD-3D print and illustrates some examples of the resolution and features achievable.
The second outstanding case here described is the application of powder-based AM in environments with reduced or zero gravity. The vision is to be able to produce repair parts, tools and other objects during a space mission, such as on the International Space Station (ISS), without the need of delivering such parts from Earth or carrying them during the mission. AM technologies are also envisioned to play an important role even for future missions to bring mankind to colonize other planets, be it on Mars or on the Moon. In this situation, reduced gravity is also experienced (the gravitational acceleration is 0.16 g on the Moon and 0.38 g on Mars).
These environments cause the use of AM powder technologies to be very problematic: the powder layers need to be stabilized in order to avoid dispersion of the particles in the chamber. This is impossible for standard AM powder deposition systems, which rely on gravitation to spread the powder.
Also in this case, an innovative approach has been implemented to face this technological challenge. The application of a gas flow through a powder has a very strong effect on its flowability, by generating a force on each particle, which is following the gas flow field. This principle can be applied in a simple setup such as the one shown in Figure 2.
In this setup, the gas flow causes an average pressure on the powder bed in direction of the arrows, generating a stabilizing effect which acts in the same direction of the gravitational force. This effect can be used in addition to normal gravity on Earth to achieve a better stabilization of 3D printed parts in the powder bed. In this case, even a significant increase of packing density of the powder was measured, compared to the same experimental setup without gas flow. This is due to the fact that the force on each single particle follows the gas flow field, which is guiding the particles to settle between the pores of the powder bed, thus achieving an efficient packing.
The same principle can be applied in absence of gravitation, where the gas flow acts to stabilize the powder layers. It has been shown that ceramic powder could be deposited in layers and laser sintered in µ-gravity conditions during a DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) campaign of parabolic flights, as shown in Figure 2. A follow-up campaign is dedicated to the deposition of metallic (stainless steel) powder in inert atmosphere and to study the effects of laser melting in µ-gravity.
In conclusion, the description of these two example cases shows how the development of novel technological processes can address some of the limitations of standard powder-based AM, in order to enable the use of new materials, such as technical ceramics, or to tackle the challenges of AM in space.
Tunable microwave devices will play an important role in future wireless systems, in which high-frequency bands, e.g. millimeter waves, will become promising, due to its huge spectrum availability. At such frequency bands, liquid crystals (LCs) exhibit low microwave loss, which is excellent compared with the other tuning elements. In this paper, LC-based microwave components are fabricated by using low temperature co-fired ceramic technology, allowing the integration of the LC into microwave structures. The first component, the Amplitude tuner, controls the signal’s amplitude by using the interference concept, which exhibits a tunable attenuation range from 11 dB to 30 dB at 30 GHz. The second component is a 3-pole tunable bandpass filter, which is realized by using a substrate integrated waveguide topology, enabling a device with comparatively high-quality factors (Q-factors). The measurement results show Q-factors in the range of 68 to 100 for a frequency tuning of 29.4–30.1 GHz, i.e. a tuning range of 700 MHz, accompanied by an insertion loss 2 dB to 4 dB.
Most additive manufacturing processes which produce dense ceramics are nowadays limited in size because of inevitable post-processing steps like for example binder removal in stereolithography. The additive manufacturing of voluminous ceramic parts is realized by powder bed based processes which, however, generate parts with residual porosity. Via infiltration these parts can be processed to dense parts like for example SiC but this is not possible for all ceramics like for example Si3N4. There is a lack of methods for the additive manufacturing of dense voluminous parts for most ceramics.
We have developed a new additive manufacturing technology, the Laser Induced Slip casting (LIS), based on the layerwise deposition of slurries and their local drying by laser radiation. Laser Induced Slip casting generates ceramic green bodies which can be sintered to dense ceramic components like traditional formed ceramic powder compacts. We will introduce the LIS technology, green bodies and sintered parts will be shown and their microstructure and mechanical properties will be discussed.
Most additive manufacturing processes which produce dense ceramics are nowadays limited in size because of inevitable post-processing steps like for example binder removal in stereolithography. The additive manufacturing of voluminous ceramic parts is realized by powder bed based processes which, however, generate parts with residual porosity. Via infiltration these parts can be processed to dense parts like for example SiC but this is not possible for all ceramics like for example Si3N4. There is a lack of methods for the additive manufacturing of dense voluminous parts for most ceramics.
We have developed a new additive manufacturing technology, the Laser Induced Slip casting (LIS), based on the layerwise deposition of slurries and their local drying by laser radiation. Laser Induced Slip casting generates ceramic green bodies which can be sintered to dense ceramic components like traditional formed ceramic powder compacts. We will introduce the LIS technology, green bodies and sintered parts will be shown and their microstructure and mechanical properties will be discussed.
A wide range of solid-state synthesis routes for calcium manganate is reported in the literature, but there is no systematic study about the influence of the solid-state synthesis conditions on thermoelectric properties. Therefore, this study examined the influence of calcination temperature and calcination cycles on the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. Higher calcination temperatures and repeated calcination cycles minimized the driving force for sintering of the synthesized powder, leading to smaller shrinkage and lower densities of the sintered specimens. As the electrical conductivity increased monotonously with increasing density, a higher energy input during calcination caused deterioration of electrical conductivity. Phase composition and Seebeck coefficient of sintered calcium manganate were not influenced by the calcination procedure. The highest thermoelectric properties with the highest power factors and figures of merit were obtained by means of reaction-sintering of uncalcined powder.
The granules commonly yielded by spray drying procedures exhibit a hard shell and an irregular, dimpled shape, which is often described as donut-like morphology. Sintered parts produced from such granules suffer from microstructural defects and reduced mechanical properties resulting from these disadvantageous granule properties.
Using the example of alumina, zirconia and zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) batches, this paper shows that the morphology of the granules can be tuned by adjusting slurry stability. High zeta potential is essential to optimally disperse the particles. But to achieve spherical and soft granules the electrostatic repulsion forces between the particles should be reduced before spray granulation. Electrostatic repulsion forces were changed with the addition of nitric acid. Measurements of zeta potential and viscosity, as well as sedimentation investigations with an optical centrifuge were used for precise slurry assessment as a major precondition for optimal and reproducible adjustment of slurries before spray drying. Sedimentation analysis using an optical centrifuge was performed to investigate different influences like that of additive composition, solids content or pH-value on the sedimentation behavior. Adequately flocculated slurries lead to homogeneous, soft granules that can be easily deformed and pressed. The fraction of donut-shaped particles and the rigidity of granules were reduced. Consequently, the sintered parts produced from these granulates show improvements regarding porosity, pore size distribution, sintered density and biaxial strength.
Entwickelt wurde eine mehrstufige Fertigungstechnologie (Schruppen, Schlichten, Trennschnitt) zur Herstellung keramischer Federn aus gesinterten Hohlzylindern. Durch Optimierung von Maschinenparametern, Schleifscheiben sowie Werkstück- und Werkzeugaufnahmen ist es gelungen, Federn aus Hochleistungskeramik (Aluminiumoxid und Zirkonoxid) mit hoher Kanten- und Oberflächenqualität reproduzierbar herzustellen. Eine hohe Variabilität bezüglich Außen- und Innendurchmesser, Steigung, Windungsquerschnitt und Abstand zwischen den Windungen ermöglicht es, die Federkonstante über drei Größenordnungen zu variieren.
Untersucht wurden Federstabilität und Spannungs-Dehnungs-Verhalten unter konstanter und zyklischer Druckbelastung sowie die thermomechanische Stabilität der Keramikfedern. Aluminiumoxid-Federn können bis etwa 800°C, Zirkonoxid-Federn bis etwa 600°C ohne bleibende geometrische Verformung eingesetzt werden.
Unter konstanter Spannung zeigen Federn aus Y-stabilisiertem TZP (Zirkonoxid)-Werkstoffen, von anderen Keramikwerkstoffen abweichend, bei Raumtemperatur eine zeitabhängige, elastische, Verformung (Superelastizität), die nach Entlastung über einen Zeitraum von mehreren Stunden reversibel verläuft. Als Ursache wird eine spannungsinduzierte reversible Phasenumwandlung zwischen austenitischer (tetragonales ZrO2) und martensitischer (monoklines ZrO2) Phase postuliert.
Diskutiert wird das Anwendungspotenzial der entwickelten Federn für kapazitive keramische Federsensoren für Gravimeter und Wägetechnik.
For the additive manufacturing of large components typically powder-based methods are used. A powder is deposited layer by layer by means of a recoater, then, the component structure is printed into each individual layer. We introduce here the new method of local laser drying, which is a suspension-based method specially developed for the manufacturing of large voluminous ceramic parts. The structure information is directly written into the freshly deposited layer of suspension by laser drying. Initially, the technology was developed for ceramic suspensions, however, first experiments with geopolymers reveal a high potential for this class of materials. Metakaolin, fly ash and lithium aluminate-based one-part geopolymers were used in first experiments. The local annealing of the geopolymer slurry results in a drying and crosslinking reaction and, thus, in a local consolidation of the material. First parts made are introduced and their properties are discussed.
If the particle size decreases, the ratio of surface area to volume increases considerably. This provides benefits for all surface-driven processes that run faster or at lower temperatures than larger particles. However, handling and characterization of the nanopowders are much more difficult. Particularly polydisperse powders with irregular shape, as grinding products, represent a challenge. Granulometry in the submicron and nanoscale often leads to incorrect results without knowledge of particle morphology.
This presentation demonstrates potentials of using the volume-specific surface area (SV or VSSA) in the granulometric characterization of nanopowders, for instance, correlations between the volume-specific surface area and the median particle size are discussed considering the particle morphology and the model of the logarithmic normal distribution.
Moreover, the presentation deals with the optimal dispersion of nanopowders during sample preparation. Indirect ultrasound device with defined cooling was developed to prevent both contamination by sonotrode abrasion and sample changes by heat.
Successful granulometric characterization of nanopowders demands both improved dispersion technology and very often an effective combination of two or more measurement methods.
Im Vortrag werden das Messprinzip des Zentrifugen-Sedimentationsverfahrens erläutert und die Anforderungen der zugrundeliegenden Normen diskutiert. Es schließen sich umfangreiche Ausführungen zur praktischen Durchführung der Messung, insbesondere auch zu den vorbereitenden Arbeiten, sowie zur Auswertung der Rohdaten an. Nach einem Vergleich der Ergebnisse mit anderen Messverfahren, wird das Verfahren in einer Zusammenfassung bewertet.
The introduction of the 5G technology and automotive radar applications moving into higher frequency ranges trigger further miniaturization of LTCC technology (low temperature co-fired ceramics). To assess dimensional tolerances of inner metal structures of an industrially produced LTCC multilayer, computer tomography (CT) scans were evaluated by machine learning segmentation.
The tested multilayer consists of several layers of a glass ceramic substrate with low resistance silver-based vertical interconnect access (VIA). The VIAs are punched into the LTCC green tape and then filled with silver-based pastes before stacking and sintering. These geometries must abide by strict tolerance requirements to ensure the high frequency properties.
This poster presents a method to extract shape and size specific data from these VIAs. For this purpose, 4 measurements, each containing 3 to 4 samples, were segmented using the trainable WEKA segmentation, a non-commercial machine learning tool. The dimensional stability of the VIA can be evaluated regarding the edge-displacement as well as the cross-sectional area. Deviation from the ideal tubular shape is best measured by aspect ratio of each individual layer. The herein described method allows for a fast and semi-automatic analysis of considerable amount of structural data. This data can then be quantified by shape descriptors to illustrate 3-dimensional information in a concise manner. Inter alia, a 45 % periodical change of cross-sectional area is demonstrated.
Homogeneous introduction of organic additives is a key of ceramic powder processing. Addition of organics to ceramic slurries holds advantages compared to dry processing like organic content reduction and a more homogeneous additive distribution on the particle surface.
Investigations of the alumina slurries were primarily based on zeta potential measurements and sedimentation analysis by optical centrifugation. Both methods were combined to determine a suitable additive type, amount and composition, whereas the spray drying suitability has been ensured by viscosity measurements. Granules, yielded by spray drying of such ideally dispersed alumina slurries, are mostly hollow and possess a hard shell. Those granules cannot easily be processed and can only hardly be destroyed in the following shaping step, leading to sinter bodies with many defects and poor strength and density.
The precise slurry destabilization, carried out after ideally dispersing the ceramic powder, shows a strong influence on the drying behavior of the granules and hence on the granule properties. A promising degree of destabilization and partial flocculation was quantified by optical centrifugation and resulted in improved granule properties. Spray drying the destabilized alumina slurries yielded homogeneous “non-hollow” granules without the above mentioned hard shell. Sample bodies produced of these granules exhibited a reduction of defect size and number, leading to better results for sinter body density and strength.
The positive effect of the slurry destabilization has been further improved, by exchanging the atomizing unit from a two-fluid one to an ultrasound atomizer with only minor slurry adjustments necessary. The controlled destabilization and ultrasound atomization of the ceramic slurry show excellent transferability for zirconia and even ZTA (zirconia toughened alumina) composite materials.
Efficient studies of scarce or expensive materials require material saving processes. Therefore, a high yield concept for small batch preparation of ready-to-press powder is exemplarily presented for yttria stabilized nano-zirconia (d50 < 50 nm).
The concept involves small batch preparation in an ultrasound resonator, dispersant selection based on zeta potential measurements, evaluation of slurry stability using an analytical centrifuge, and preparation of ready-to-press powder by freeze drying.
Freeze drying offers key advantages. Process efficiency and high yield above 95 % are independent of sample size. The dried product does not require further mechanical treatment like milling or grinding. Side effects like migration of additives are avoided.
An optimized freeze drying process tolerates slurries with moderate stability. Thus, efforts for slurry development can be reduced. Generally, identifying a suitable dispersing agent requires only 3-5 zeta potential measurements. Slurry stability is rechecked using an analytical centrifuge, which also accounts for steric stabilization. An ultrasound resonator is used to disperse the powder without contamination, which becomes critical for small batches.
The described route is exemplarily presented for the development of an additive recipe for nano-sized zirconia powder, targeting for good pressing behavior and high green density. Therefore, a variety of binding and lubricating agents were tested.
Following the presented route, 80 g zirconia powder were sufficient to conduct a study including slurry development and five sample sets with varying composition, each set comprising five discs (d = 20 mm and h = 2 mm).
Spherical mesoporous bioactive glasses in the silicon dioxide (SiO2)-phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5)–calcium oxide (CaO) system with a high specific surface area of up to 300m2/g and a medium pore radius of 4 nm were synthesized by using a simple one-pot surfactant-assisted sol–gel synthesis method followed by calcination at 500–700°C. The authors were able to control the particle properties by varying synthesis parameters to achieve microscale powders with spherical morphology and a particle size of around 5–10 mm by employing one structure-directing agent. Due to a high Calcium oxide content of 33·6mol% and a phosphorus pentoxide content of 4·0mol%, the powder showed very good bioactivity up to 7 d of immersion in simulated Body fluid. The resulting microspheres are promising materials for a variety of life science applications, as further processing – for example, granulation – is unnecessary. Microspheres can be applied as materials for powder-based additive manufacturing or in stable suspensions for drug release, in bone cements or fillers.
The freeze casting technique assisted with cryo thiol-ene photopolymerization is successfully employed for the fabrication of macroporous polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide with highly aligned porosity. It is demonstrated that the free radical initiated thiol-ene click reaction effectively cross-linked the vinyl-containing liquid polysiloxanes into infusible thermosets even at low temperatures. Furthermore, mixed solution- and suspension-based freeze casting is employed by adding silica nanopowders. SiOC/SiO2 foams with almost perfect cylindrical shapes are obtained, demonstrating that the presence of nano-SiO2 does not restrict the complete photoinduced cross-linking. The post-pyrolysis HF acid treatments of produced SiOC monoliths yields hierarchical porosities, with SiOC/SiO2 nanocomposites after etching demonstrating the highest specific surface area of 494 m2/g and pore sizes across the macro-, meso- and micropores ranges. The newly developed approach gives a versatile solution for the fabrication of bulk polymer-derived ceramics with controlled porosity.
The layerwise slurry deposition (LSD) has been established in the recent years as a method for the deposition of ceramic powder layers. The LSD consists in the layer-by-layer deposition of a ceramic slurry by means of a doctor blade; each layer is sequentially deposited and dried to achieve a highly packed powder layer.
The combination of binder jetting and LSD was introduced as a novel technology named LSD-print. The LSD-print takes advantage of the speed of binder jetting to print large areas, parallel to the flexibility of the LSD, which allows the deposition of highly packed powder layers with a variety of ceramic materials.
The working principle and history of the LSD technology will be shortly discussed. A theoretical background will be also discussed, highlighting advantages and drawbacks of the LSD compared to the deposition of a dry powder.
The last part of the talk will be dedicated to highlight recent results on the LSD-print of SiSiC of geometrically complex components, in collaboration between BAM and HC Starck Ceramics GmbH. Density, microstructure and mechanical properties of LSD-printed and isostatic pressed samples will be discussed and compared.
Powder bed -based technologies are amongst the most successful Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques. "Selective laser sintering/melting" (SLS/SLM) and "binder jetting 3D printing" (3DP) especially are leading AM technologies for metals and polymers, thanks to their high productivity and scalability.
However, the flowability of the powder used in these processes is essential to achieve defect-free and densely packed powder layers. For standard powder bed AM technologies, this limits the use of many raw materials which are too fine or too cohesive.
This presentation will discuss the possibilities to either optimize the powder raw material to adapt it to the specific AM process, or to develop novel AM technologies which are able to process powders in a wider range of conditions.
In this context, the "layerwise slurry deposition" (LSD) has been developed as a layer deposition method which enables the use of very fine ceramic particles.
Quality Aspects of Additively Manufactured Medical Implants - Defect Detection in Lattice Parts
(2019)
Additive Manufacturing technologies are developing fast to enable a rapid and flexible production of parts. Tailoring products to individual needs is a big advantage of this technology, which makes it of special interest for the medical device industry and the direct manufacturing of final products. Due to the fast development, standards to assure reliability of the AM process and quality of the printed products are often lacking. The EU project Metrology for Additively Manufactured Medical Implants (MetAMMI) is aiming to fill this gap by investigating alternative and cost efficient non-destructive measurement methods.
Additive manufacturing of alkali-activated materials currently attracts a lot of attention, because of the possibility to produce customized high-performance elements for a range of applications, potentially being more resource-efficient than conventionally produced parts. Here, we describe a new additive manufacturing process for alkali-activated materials that is based on selective laser-heating of lithium aluminate/microsilica slurries. The new process-material combination allows to manufacture elements with complex geometries at high building rates and high accuracy. The process is versatile and transferrable to structures of sizes differing by orders of magnitude. The mechanical strength of the obtained materials was in the range of values reported for conventional metakaolin-based geopolymers, and superior to what has been hitherto reported for alkali-activated materials produced by additive manufacturing. This mechanical performance was obtained despite the fact that the degree of reaction of the lithium aluminate and the microsilica was low, suggesting that significant reactions took place only at the surface of the microsilica particles.
Das Ziel des Gesamtvorhabens bestand darin, einen neuartigen kapazitiven Sensortyp zur hochauflösenden Bestimmung von Masse- und Gravitationskraftänderungen zu entwickeln. Bisherige Technologien nutzten dafür Federn oder Biegebalken aus gehärteten metallischen Werkstoffen, deren Alterungsverhalten die Präzision der Kräftemessung begrenzen. Grundprinzip des neuen Sensortyps ist es, eine auf die keramische Feder einwirkenden Änderung der Gewichts- oder Gravitationskraft durch eine Erfassung der Kapazitätsänderung am Sensor zu bestimmen. Dazu muss die durch Stauchung oder Dehnung der Feder entstehende Kapazitätsänderung mit hoher Auflösung reproduzierbar gemessen werden. Neben einem geeigneten Sensordesign waren Lösungen für Messsignalerfassung und -auswertung (Elektronik/Software) und die Systemintegration zu entwickeln.
Die wichtigsten im Rahmen des BAM-Teilvorhabens erzielten Ergebnisse sind:
- Ausgehend von kommerziellen High-end Keramikpulvern wurden durch Optimierung der keramischen Technologie nahezu porenfreie Al2O3, ZrO2 und Si3N4-Werkstoffe hergestellt und bezüglich Gefüge und Phasenbestand sowie mechanischen, thermischen und elektrischen Eigenschaften bewertet. Insbesondere die defektfreie Herstellung von nanostrukturierten Werkstoffen erforderte umfangreiche Variationen der Prozessparameter. Geeignete Werkstoffvarianten wurden für die Federherstellung ausgewählt.
- Gemeinsam mit den Projektpartnern wurden Layoutvarianten für Schraubendruckfedern mit rechteckigem Windungsquerschnitt und für die Federeinbindung in das Sensorsystem erarbeitet.
- 4 Federvarianten wurden an der BAM durch Hartbearbeitung von gesinterten Hohlzylindern umgesetzt. Fertigungstoleranzen von < ±10 µm für Windungsbreite, Windungshöhe und Windungsabstand und dünnfilm-kompatible innere Windungsflächen (Ra < 0,2 µm) wurden erreicht. Al2O3- und ZrO2-Federn können rissfrei und mit sehr guter Kantenqualität gefertigt werden, bei Si3N4-Federn konnten Kantenschädigungen nicht vollständig verhindert werden.
- Mit der entwickelten Herstellungstechnologie können sowohl „harte“ als auch sehr „weiche“ Federn produziert werden. Federkonstanten zwischen 0,02 N/mm und 10 N/mm wurden realisiert. Die Reproduzierbarkeit der Federfertigung ist gegeben, innerhalb einer Charge unterschieden sich die Federkonstanten der gefertigten Federn nur um etwa +/- 1%.
- An einem speziell entwickelten Versuchsstand wurden die Federn unter zyklischer Druckbelastung im Temperaturbereich von -20 bis +80 °C untersucht. An den Al2O3- und ZrO2-Federn wurden keine Schädigungen beobachtet, die Federkonstante wird durch die zyklische Langzeitbelastung nicht verändert.
- Die Eignung der keramischen Federn für den Applikationsfall wurde mit zahlreichen Spannungs-Dehnungs-Experimenten, teilweise an speziell aufgebauten Versuchsapparaturen, untersucht. An Al2O3- und Si3N4-Federn wurde – wie erwartet – gefunden, dass die Federkonstante unabhängig von der Belastungsgeschwindigkeit ist und unter konstanter Last auch über lange Zeiträume keine Verformung auftritt. Überraschenderweise zeigten ZrO2 (TZP)-Federn ein zeitabhängiges Verhalten unter Last. Dieses ist besonders stark bei Y-stabilisierten Werkstoffvarianten ausgebildet, wurde aber mit Hochpräzisionsmessungen auch bei Ce-stabilsierten Werkstoffen nachgewiesen. Die Deformation ist reversibel, eine vollständige Relaxation wird erst nach Tagen erreicht. Aufgrund der zeitabhängigen Verformung können ZrO2 (TZP)-Federn, trotz ihrer hervorragenden Festigkeit und Bruchzähigkeit, nicht für die konzipierten Sensorfedern eingesetzt werden.
- Das durch die Fa. Siegert TFT entwickelte Metallisierungs-Schichtsystem, bestehend aus aufgesputterten Ti-, Pt- und Au-Schichten verstärkt durch eine galvanisch aufgebrachte Au-Schicht, wurde an der BAM umfassend bewertet. Die Schichten sind untereinander und mit der Keramik weitgehend defektfrei verbunden, die lokale Schichtdicke schwankt jedoch bedingt durch Abschattungseffekte während der Beschichtungsvorgang. Es wurden Schichtwiderstände zwischen 50 und 90 Ohm und damit die Zielvorgabe des Projektes (< 100 Ohm) erreicht. In statischen und dynamischen Belastungstests wurden keine Veränderungen der Leitungswiderstände festgestellt.
- Zur Erhöhung der Kapazität des Kondensators kann der Raum zwischen den Federwindungen statt mit Luft mit einer Flüssigkeit mit hoher Dielektrizitätskonstante gefüllt werden. Als geeignete Flüssigkeit wurde Propylencarbonat mit einer Dielektrizitätskonstante von 65, einem hohen Siedepunkt und einer geringen Viskosität identifiziert. Um eine noch höhere Dielektrizitätskonstante zwischen den Federwindungen zu erreichen. wurden Suspensionen aus Silikonöl und nanokristallinem Bariumtitanat hergestellt und bezüglich ihrer Langzeitstabiltät charakterisiert.
- Gemäß den Anforderungen des Projektpartners KOMPASS wurden maßgeschneiderte Al2O3-Federn mit einer Federkonstante < 0,1 N/mm hergestellt und für den Aufbau des finalen Demonstrator eingesetzt.
Die prinzipielle Funktionsfähigkeit des neuen Sensorkonzeptes auf Basis keramischer Federn wurde mit dem im Projekt aufgebauten Demonstrator nachgewiesen. Die Umsetzung der F+E-ergebnisse in eine industrielle Nutzung zur Herstellung von Gravimetern wird vom Projektpartner KOMPASS angestrebt und ist bereits mit detaillierten Zeitplänen untersetzt.
Calcium cobaltite (Ca3Co4O9) is considered as one of the most promising thermoelectric p-type oxides for energy harvesting applications at temperatures above 500 °C. It is challenging to sinter this material as its stability is limited to 920 °C. To facilitate a practicable and scalable production of Ca3Co4O9 for multilayer generators, a systematic study of the influence of powder calcination, Bi-doping, reaction sintering, and pressure-assisted sintering (PAS) on microstructure and thermoelectric properties is presented. Batches of doped, undoped, calcined, and not calcined powders were prepared, tape-cast, and sintered with and without uniaxial pressure at 900 °C. The resulting phase compositions, microstructures and thermoelectric properties were analysed. It is shown that the beneficial effect of Bi-doping observed on pressureless sintered samples cannot be transferred to PAS. Liquid phase formation induces distortions and abnormal grain growth. Although the Seebeck coefficient is increased to 139 µV/K by Bi-doping, the power factor is low due to poor electrical conductivity. The best results were achieved by PAS of calcined powder. The dense and textured microstructure exhibits a high power factor of 326 µW/mK² at 800 °C but adversely high thermal conductivity in the relevant direction. The figure of merit is higher than 0.08 at 700 °C.
The ProboStat is a multi-purpose measurement cell suitable for various electrical and physical measurements under different atmospheres and at high temperatures. Disc and bar shaped samples are sandwiched between platinum electrodes at the top of the tubular cell. The gas tight assembly can be inserted into a furnace. Different gases can be flushed through the tube. For this study, a ProboStat was adapted to measure volume resistivity of ceramic insulators at high temperatures according to standards.
The standardized measurement of volume resistivity of ceramic insulators requires the consideration of many specifications including sample diameter, thickness, electrode design, and the proportion of these characteristics. Measurements are ideally performed in a state of dielectric equilibrium. The time-related slope of resistivity of a specific sample follows a power function. Thus, care must be taken when choosing a charge time or defining the duration of a measurement. As fringing of the guarded electrode occurs under high voltage, the effective electrode area for evaluation of the results should be corrected with respect to sample thickness and electrode design. The demands of effective standards on sample geometry and electrode design are stricter for room temperature measurements than for high temperature measurements.
To perform high temperature measurements on ceramic samples that also fulfill the demands on room temperature measurements, a ProboStat was equipped with a dedicated large sample setup for discs with diameters of up to 60 mm. The volume resistivity of different alumina samples was first measured at room temperature in a standard test fixture and then compared to results obtained with the ProboStat. All measurements were performed for at least 100 min using a 26 mm guarded electrode. High temperature measurements at 500 °C were performed using the same samples. Room temperature values obtained with the standard test fixture are in the order of 10^17 Ohm·cm. The quantitative effect of electrode area correction is presented. Practical issues related to the use of the multi-purpose cell are addressed. These include electrode material selection, application of electrodes, and compensation of leakage currents. High temperature results of volume resistivity of the different alumina samples are presented. The validity is discussed with respect to the suitability of the multi-purpose cell for such measurements.
Ceramic springs offer versatile possibilities for load bearing or sensor applications in challenging environments. Although it may appear unexpected, a wide range of spring constants can be implemented by material selection and especially by the design of the spring. Based on a rectangular cross-section of the windings, it is possible to design a spring geometry that generates the desired spring constant simply by choosing appropriate diameter, height, widths, and number of windings. In a recent research project the calculation of helical compression springs made of rectangular steel (German standard DIN 2090) was applied for the design of ceramic springs. A manufacturing technology has been worked out to fabricate such springs from hollow cylinders of several highly dense technical ceramics by milling. Ceramic springs with precise rectangular section, without edge damage, and mean surface roughness smaller than 0.2 µm were produced after parameter optimization. Tolerances of less than 10 µm were achieved regarding spring diameter, height, and width of cross section. It is shown that the calculations outlined in the standard are valid for a variety of ceramic materials as well. Demonstrator springs with a wide range of spring constants have been fabricated, including zirconia springs with 0.02 N/mm, alumina springs with 1 N/mm and Si3N4 springs with 5 N/mm. A reproducibility study of six zirconia springs with a constant of 0.3 N/mm showed a relative difference in spring constants of less than +/- 1 %. This combination of a valid calculation approach for spring geometry and a reliable manufacturing technology allows for purposeful development and fabrication of ceramic springs with precise mechanical properties and superior chemical stability.
Dual-phase membranes for high-temperature carbon dioxide Separation have emerged as promising technology to mitigate anthropogenic greenhouse gases emissions, especially as a pre- and post-combustion separation technique in coal burning power plants. To implement These membranes industrially, the carbon dioxide permeability must be improved. In this study, Ce_(0.8) Sm_(0.2) O_(2-d) (SDC) and Ce_(0.8)Sm_(0.19)Fe_(0.01)O_(2-d) (FSDC) ceramic powders were used to form the skeleton in dual-Phase membranes. The use of MgO as an environmentally friendly pore generator allows control over the membrane porosity and microstructure in order to compare the effect of the membrane’s ceramic phase. The ceramic powders and the resulting membranes were characterized using ICP-OES, HSM, gravimetric analysis, SEM/EDX, and XRD, and the carbon dioxide flux density was quantified using a high-temperature membrane permeation setup. The carbon dioxide permeability slightly increases with the addition of iron in the FSDC membranes compared to the SDC membranes mainly due to the reported scavenging effect of iron with the siliceous impurities, with an additional potential contribution of an increased crystallite size due to viscous flow sintering. The increased permeability of the FSDC system and the proper microstructure control by MgO can be further extended to optimize carbon dioxide permeability in this membrane system.
At high temperatures and in harsh environments ceramic springs are often superior to metallic ones and allow for innovative solutions. A further application was proposed by using ceramic springs as capacitive force sensor. Lower and upper coil surfaces are coated by electrically conducting layers. Deformation of such spring results in a change of capacity. Sensor application calls for helical springs with rectangular cross-section, a linear stress-strain characteristic over entire deformation range and low manufacturing tolerances relating to inner and outer diameter, coil cross section and spring pitch. Furthermore, complex spring design with integrated connecting elements has to be realized.
Alumina, zirconia (Y-TZP) and silicon nitride springs were produced by hard machining starting from sintered hollow cylinders. After external and internal cylindrical grinding the hollow cylinders were filled with hard wax, followed by multi-stage cutting of spring coils with custom-made cutting discs. Finally, hard wax was removed by melting and burnout. Best surface and edge qualities of springs were reached using Y-TZP material and hot isostatic pressed alumina. Y-TZP springs produced with material-specifically selected cutting discs and optimized process parameters show sharp coil edges without spallings and mean roughness values of inner surfaces < 0.2 μm. Manufacturing tolerances of spring diameters, spring pitch, height and width of coil cross section are in the range of ± 10 microns. Good reproducibility of spring geometry by optimized hard machining technology allows for production of Y-TZP springs with spring constants differing less than ± 1 % within a series.
According to DIN 2090 spring constant for rectangular coil cross section is proportional to the square of height and width of coil cross section and indirectly proportional to number of active coils and to the cube of the mean spring diameter. Hence, spring constants can be tailored over a range of many orders of magnitude by changing the spring dimensions. Good agreement was reached between calculated target spring constants and measured values on produced springs.
Alumina and zirconia springs were characterized relating to deformation behavior under dynamic compression load with various deformation speeds and under static tensile loads over long periods of time. Contrary to alumina springs, a non-linear stress-strain behavior of TZP springs was proved in both test series. It is supposed, that pseudoelasticity caused by stress-induced transformation of tetragonal to monoclinic phase is responsible for this special feature of TZP springs. Therefore, TZP material cannot be used for capacitive spring sensors.
Dielectric breakdown of ceramics is widely believed to originate from microstructural defects. Still, there is no commonly accepted model for the origin and process of dielectric failure that covers all observed phenomena and dependencies. In analogy to mechanical strength, the Weibull distribution is commonly used to evaluate dielectric strength data. This works well for a given group of specimens with constant geometry. But unlike mechanical strength, dielectric strength scales with the inverse square root of sample thickness. This cannot be explained by the classic Weibull concept. The Griffith type energy release rate model of dielectric breakdown proposed by Schneider is based on space charge injection and conducting filaments from the sample surface. This model incorporates the distinct thickness dependence and the pronounced influence of surface defects. Based on this model and the classic Weibull probability of failure, Schneider’s group theoretically derived a probability of breakdown that predicts an increase of failure probability with increasing electrode area. In our study we tested this model with dielectric strength data measured on dense alumina samples using different electrode areas. Weibull modulus and characteristic dielectric strength (scale parameter) were determined for a set of measurements using small electrodes. These values were used to calculate the failure probability under large electrodes according to the model. The calculated data excellently fits the measured values. Thus, our experiments substantiate the assumptions made in the breakdown model and the significance of surface defects for dielectric failure.
At high temperatures and in harsh environments ceramic springs are often superior to metallic springs and allow for innovative solutions. A recently proposed application involves ceramic springs with metallized surfaces as capacitive force sensor. A strictly linear stress-strain characteristic of the spring is a precondition for such a sensor.
Helical ceramic springs with rectangular cross-section have been produced from sintered hollow cylinders. Alumina, ATZ, Y-TZP, and Ce-TZP springs with identical dimensions were characterized and compared regarding deformation behavior.
Spring deformation was investigated under various load scenarios.
Dynamic compression was performed with deformation speeds from 0.3 to 30 mm/min. Spring constants of alumina springs are strain rate independent. By contrast, Y-TZP spring constant increases by approximately 3 % within the experimental framework.
A high-precision test facility was developed to characterize spring displacement in nm range under static tensile load over long periods of time. Spring elongation with asymptotic course was observed for zirconia containing materials at room temperature. This effect is particularly strong in the case of Y-TZP. Up to 0.3 % time-dependent elongation was measured after 24 h under constant load. Deformation is completely reversible after unloading. Alumina springs do not show any time-dependent deformation under identical test conditions.
Contrary to alumina springs, a non-linear stress-strain behavior of TZP springs at room temperature was proved in both test series. It is supposed, that pseudo-elasticity caused by stress-induced phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic is responsible for this special behavior of TZP springs.
Additive manufacturing of SiSiC by layerwise slurry deposition and binder jetting (LSD-print)
(2019)
The current work presents for the first time results on the Additive Manufacturing of SiSiC complex parts based on the Layerwise Slurry Deposition (LSD) process. This technology allows to deposit highly packed powder layers by spreading a ceramic slurry and drying. The capillary forces acting during the process are responsible for the dense powder packing and the good joining between layers. The LSD process can be combined with binder jetting to print 2D cross-sections of an object in each successive layer, thus forming a 3D part. This process is named LSD-print.
By LSD-print and silicon infiltration, SiSiC parts with complex geometries and features down to 1mm and an aspect ratio up to 4:1 could be demonstrated.
The density and morphology were investigated for a large number of samples. Furthermore, the density and the mechanical properties, measured by ball-on-three-balls method, were in all three building directions close to isostatic pressed references.
Dielectric strength testing of ceramics can be performed with various setups and parameters. Comparisons of results from different sources are often not meaningful, because the results are strongly dependent on the actual testing procedure. The aim of this study is to quantify the influence of voltage ramp rate, electrode size, electrode conditioning, and sample thickness on the measured AC dielectric strength of a commercial alumina. Mean values, Weibull moduli, and failure probabilities determined in standardized short time tests are evaluated and related to withstand voltage tests. Dielectric strength values in the range from 21.6 to 33.2 kV/mm were obtained for the same material using different testing procedures. Short time tests resulted in small standard deviations (< 2 kV/mm) and high Weibull moduli around 30, while withstand tests at voltage levels with low and virtual zero failure probability in short time tests resulted in large scatter of withstand time and Weibull moduli < 1. The strong decrease in Weibull moduli is attributed to progressive damage from partial discharge and depolarization during AC testing. These findings emphasize the necessity of a thorough documentation of testing procedure and highlight the importance of withstand voltage tests for a comprehensive material characterization.
Chemically modified bioactive glasses based on ICIE16 were prepared with the melt-quenching method using water as a quenching medium. The sinterability of these bioactive glasses was investigated and is discussed in this article. The sintering experiments were conducted with different sintering temperatures, sintering times and heating rates. Those parameters are crucial for dense glass with an amorphous structure. The particle size (d50) of the starting glass powder was determined at 88 μm and kept constant. The pre-pressed glass pellets were cold-isostatically pressed at 300 MPa to a green density of around 63 %. Density development, phase identification, shrinkage behavior and the microstructure were investigated to determine the sinterability of the developed glasses. The glass powders were sintered at different temperatures inside the processing window while crystallization was monitored. The results have shown that the sinterability of the developed glasses strongly dependsonthe proposed chemical additions. The highest density reached was 96 %, which belongs to BP1 glass with sintering conditions of 20 K/min heating rate for 60 min at 750 °C.
An investigation of the two-component phase diagram of the CaNaPO4- CaKPO4system performed using various analysis techniques is reported. The continuous solid solution series of α-CaMPO4 existing above 700 °C undergoes eutectoid decomposition during cooling to β-CaMPO4-based solid solutions enriched with Na and K, and to an intermediate nonstoichiometric compound with an ideal composition of CaK0.6Na0.4PO4. All three compounds exhibit significant volumetric effects associated with first-order phase transitions, with positive volume changes under cooling for the intermediate compound. Increased K content in ceramics based on CaKyNa1-yPO4 compositions enhances the strength properties of those ceramics, including their fracture toughness, which is associated with increased density. Increased K content also has a smaller effect of inducing phase transformations accompanied by strong volume changes.
Biomaterials for bone replacement and grafting should possess sufficient strength, be bioresorbable and demonstrate osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. However, resorption of modern materials for bone grafting (hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP)) is reported, in some cases, to be not enough, this is why the search for more soluble compounds compared to HA and TCP looks very perspective. A possible way to increase ceramics solubility leads to partial substitution of Ca2+ -ions in Ca3(PO4)2 by alkali cations, like Na+ or/and K+. Improvement of solubility stems from decreasing lattice energy of a substituted phase, as well as the increase in hydration energy of the ions releasing from the phase to ambient solution. From this viewpoint, bioceramics based on compositions from Ca3(PO4)2 - CaKPO4 - CaNaPO4 ternary system seems to be prospective for bone replacement and grafting in the sense of resorption properties. At the same time, one should bear in mind that solubility level (resorbability) is governed not only by reduction of lattice energy but also by microstructure features. Grain sizes and porosity contribute much to dissolution rate making the study of sintering of the ceramics mentioned above highly important.
To control Ca3(PO4)2 - CaKPO4 - CaNaPO4 based ceramic microstructure it is necessary to know possible phase transformations in the system and the way to manage microstructure by sintering schedule or sintering process.
In this work, an isothermal section for phase diagram of Ca3(PO4)2 - CaKPO4 - CaNaPO4 ternary system is studied with several techniques. According to the XRD of quenched samples, this phase triangle has four single-phase areas at 1200˚C (Figure 1). It was shown that single-phase CaK0.6Na0.4PO4 cannot be sintered to full-dense ceramics by conventional sintering regardless time-temperature schedule. Two-step sintering technique, beneficial in the case of HA-ceramics, was unsuccessful in all cases of calcium-alkali phosphate compositions. However, field-assisted sintering techniques like, e.g. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), can overcome this problem due to significant impact on grain boundary diffusion. In connection with this fact, grains grow much slower retaining sintering process in a pore control regime. In this work CaK0.6Na0.4PO4 low-porous ceramics was also fabricated by FAST-methods of sintering. Moreover, other alternative sintering techniques, such as reaction sintering, may be useful in accelerating ions diffusion but stopping excessive grain growth.Strength properties of ceramics were evaluated by B3B-testing, micro- and nanoindentation techniques. Fracture toughness also becomes higher with potassium content increase, guiding porosity level.
Resorption properties of sintered ceramics were studied in different solutions with pH=5 and 7.4.
Acknowledgements. The research of sintering processes in calcium phosphate materials were funded by RFBR according to the research project № 18-33-00974.
Many of the most successful and precise additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are based on the deposition layer-by-layer of a flowable powder. Since the first pioneering work at the end of the 1980th many developments have been introduced, greatly extending the use of different materials, improving the physical properties of the components built and enhancing the accuracy of the process. Still very important issues remain nowadays, hampering a completely autonomous production of parts and even restricting the freedom of design by means of these technologies. One of the major issues is the low density and stability of the parts during the building process, which implies the need of support structures: The powder bed surrounding the part has an essential role, since it should support the structure during building, until it’s ready for removal. Moreover, the microstructure of the powder bed is a template for the microstructure of the part produced. In this context, the use of submicron ceramic powders is still a challenge. Three approaches for the stabilization and densification of powder beds will be presented: The Layerwise Slurry Deposition process LSD, the gas flow assisted powder deposition and the Laser Induced Slipcasting (LIS) of ceramic powder compacts.
Are we ready for putting a human footprint on Mars? Obviously, it is possible to send technologically challenging missions to our earth neighbors with a high level of complexity, such as enabling autonomous planetary mobility. As humanity contemplates mounting manned missions to Mars, strategies need to be developed for the design and operation of hospitable environments safely working in space for years. Humans require water and air provided by complicated equipment. Its safe operation is a great challenge and implies being prepared for all eventualities. Instead of foreseeing and preparing for all possible scenarios of machine failures and accidents, it appears logic taking advantage of the flexibility of humans and providing essential equipment for the reaction on critical situations. The supply of spare parts for repair and replacement of lost equipment would be one key pillar of such a strategy. Bearing in mind the absolute distance and flight trajectories for manned missions to Mars, supplying spare parts from Earth is impossible. Thus, in space manufacturing remains the only option for a timely supply. With a high flexibility in design and the ability to manufacture ready to use components directly from a computer aided model, additive manufacturing technologies appear extremely attractive. For metal parts manufacturing the Laser Beam Melting process is the most widely used additive manufacturing process in industrial application. However, envisioning the handling of metal powders in the absence of gravitation is one prerequisite for its successful application in space. A gas flow throughout the powder bed has been successfully applied to compensate for missing gravitational forces in micro gravity experiments. The so-called Gas Flow Assisted Powder Deposition is based on a porous building platform acting as a filter for the fixation of metal particles in a gas flow driven by a pressure difference maintained by a vacuum pump.
Are we ready for putting a human footprint on Mars? Obviously, it is possible to send technologically challenging missions to our earth neighbors with a high level of complexity, such as enabling autonomous planetary mobility. As humanity contemplates mounting manned missions to Mars, strategies need to be developed for the design and operation of hospitable environments safely working in space for years. Humans require water and air provided by complicated equipment. Its safe operation is a great challenge and implies being prepared for all eventualities. Instead of foreseeing and preparing for all possible scenarios of machine failures and accidents, it appears logic taking advantage of the flexibility of humans and providing essential equipment for the reaction on critical situations. The supply of spare parts for repair and replacement of lost equipment would be one key pillar of such a strategy. Bearing in mind the absolute distance and flight trajectories for manned missions to Mars, supplying spare parts from Earth is impossible. Thus, in space manufacturing remains the only option for a timely supply. With a high flexibility in design and the ability to manufacture ready to use components directly from a computer aided model, additive manufacturing technologies appear extremely attractive. For metal parts manufacturing the Laser Beam Melting process is the most widely used additive manufacturing process in industrial application. However, envisioning the handling of metal powders in the absence of gravitation is one prerequisite for its successful application in space. A gas flow throughout the powder bed has been successfully applied to compensate for missing gravitational forces in micro gravity experiments. The so-called Gas Flow Assisted Powder Deposition is based on a porous building platform acting as a filter for the fixation of metal particles in a gas flow driven by a pressure difference maintained by a vacuum pump.
Die Strukturierung keramischer Grünfolien und Laminate ist ein wesentlicher Prozessschritt in der keramischen Multilayer-Technologie und begründet die funktionelle Vielfalt keramischer Multilayer. Benötigt wird die Grünbearbeitung für die Herstellung elektrischer und thermischer Vias sowie innerer Kavitäten und Kanäle für Transport und Lagerung von Gasen und Flüssigkeiten in hochintegrierten Schaltungsträgern, Sensoren und Reaktoren. Standardverfahren in der industriellen Fertigung sind Heißschneiden, Stanzen und Laserbearbeitung. Darüber hinaus werden auch Bohren, Fräsen, Sägen und Heißprägen verwendet. Über die Erprobung weiterer Verfahren wie Wasserstrahlschneiden, Dampfstrahlätzen und Powder Blasting wird in der Literatur berichtet.
Im Vortrag werden spezifische Vor- und Nachteile der eingesetzten Verfahren beleuchtet. Abschließend werden die Kriterien für die Auswahl des optimalen Strukturierungsverfahrens diskutiert. Zusammensetzung und Gefüge sowie die dadurch bedingten mechanischen und thermomechanischen Eigenschaften sowie das Absorptionsverhalten von Grünfolien sind sehr unterschiedlich. Daraus resultieren unterschiedliche optimale Bearbeitbarkeitsparameter.
Dense ZnO films with a strong c‐axis texture have been deposited on transparent conductive oxide glass, glass, and Si wafers, respectively, with a two‐step pressureless wet chemical method using zinc acetate dihydrate as Zn‐precursor. The crystallographic structure of the films has been studied with XRD and scanning electron microscopy. Optical measurements reveal a high transparency of the ZnO films with a thickness of up to 10 μm. This new cost‐effective route for ZnO film deposition does not require expensive sophisticated equipment and is easily upscaled.
In powder bed Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies, a part is produced by depositing and piling up thin powder layers. In each layer, the cross section of the object to build is defined by locally consolidating the powder, by sintering/melting the material (powder bed fusion technologies) or by ink jetting a binder (binder jetting technologies).
These are already leading AM technologies for metals and polymers, thanks to their high productivity and scalability. The application of these techniques to most ceramics has been challenging so far, because of the challenges related to the deposition of homogeneous powder layers when using fine powders.
In this context, the "layerwise slurry deposition" (LSD) has been developed as a layer deposition method which enables the use of SLS/SLM and 3DP technologies for advanced ceramic materials. LSD consists in the layer-by-layer deposition of a ceramic slurry by means of a doctor blade. Each layer is deposited and dried to achieve a highly packed powder layer. The LSD offers high flexibility in the ceramic feedstock used, especially concerning material and particle size, and enables the production of parts with physical and mechanical properties comparable to pressed or slip-casted parts. In this presentation, the LSD technique will be introduced and several examples of application to porcelain, SiC and alumina products will be reported.
Powder bed -based technologies are amongst the most successful Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques. "Selective laser sintering/melting" (SLS/SLM) and "binder jetting 3D printing" (3DP) especially are leading AM technologies for metals and polymers, thanks to their high productivity and scalability.
However, the flowability of the powder used in these processes is essential to achieve defect-free and densely packed powder layers. For standard powder bed AM technologies, this limits the use of many raw materials which are too fine or too cohesive.
This presentation will discuss the possibilities to either optimize the powder raw material to adapt it to the specific AM process, or to develop novel AM technologies which are able to process powders in a wider range of conditions.
In this context, the "layerwise slurry deposition" (LSD) has been developed as a layer deposition method which enables the use of very fine ceramic particles. Another technology, the Gas Flow Assisted Powder Deposition, can increase the stability of the powder bed and the packing density, even in extreme conditions such as in absence of gravitational forces.
Powder bed -based technologies are amongst the most successful Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques. "Selective laser sintering/melting" (SLS/SLM) and "binder jetting 3D printing" (3DP) especially are leading AM technologies for metals and polymers, thanks to their high productivity and scalability. In this context, the "layerwise slurry deposition" (LSD) has been developed as a layer deposition method which enables the use of SLS/SLM and 3DP technologies for advanced ceramic materials. LSD consists in the layer-by-layer deposition of a ceramic slurry by means of a doctor blade. Each layer is deposited and dried to achieve a highly packed powder layer, which can be used for SLM or for 3DP. This technique offers high flexibility in the ceramic feedstock used, especially concerning material and particle size, and is capable of producing parts with physical and mechanical properties comparable to traditionally shaped parts. In this presentation, the LSD technique will be introduced and several examples of application to porcelain, SiC and alumina products will be reported.
Considerations for nanomaterial identification of powders using volume-specific surface area method
(2019)
The EC’s recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) should allow the identification of a particulate nanomaterial based on the number-based metric criterion according to which at least 50% of the constituent particles have the smallest dimension between 1 and 100 nm. However, it has been recently demonstrated that the implementation of this definition for regulatory purposes is conditioned by the large deviations between the results obtained by different sizing methods or due to practical reasons such as high costs and time-consuming.
For most measurement methods for particle size determination it is necessary to initially disperse the particles in a suitable liquid. However, as the particle size decreases, the adhesion forces increase strongly, making it more difficult to deagglomerate the particles and to assess accurately the result of this process. Therefore, the success of the deagglomeration process substantially determines the measurement uncertainty and hence, the comparability between different methods.
Many common methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), centrifugal liquid sedimentation (CLS) or ultrasound attenuation spectroscopy (US) can give good comparable results for the size of nanoparticles, if they are properly separated and stabilized (e.g. in reference suspensions).
In order to avoid the use of hardly available and expensive methods such as SEM / TEM for all powders, an agglomeration-tolerant screening method is useful.
One of the measurement methods well suited to probe the size of particulate powder is the determination of the volume-specific surface area (VSSA) by means of gas adsorption as well as skeletal density. The value of 60 m2/cm3 corresponding to spherical, monodisperse particles with a diameter of 100 nm constitutes the threshold for decisioning if the material is a nano- or non-nanomaterial. The identification of a nanomaterial by VSSA method is accepted by the EU recommendation.
However, the application of the VSSA method was associated also with some limitations. The threshold of 60 m2/cm3 is dependent on the particle shape, so that it changes considerably with the number of nano-dimensions, but also with the degree of sphericity of the particles. For particles containing micro-pores or having a microporous coating, false positive results are induced. Furthermore, broad particle size distributions made necessary to additionally correct the threshold. Based on examples of commercially available ceramic powders, the applicability of the VSSA approach was tested in relation with SEM and TEM measurements. The introduction of a correction term for deviations from sphericity and further additions improved the applicability of VSSA as a screening method.
As humanity contemplates manned missions to Mars, strategies need to be developed for the design and operation of hospitable environments to safely work in space for years. The supply of spare parts for repair and replacement of lost equipment will be one key need, but in-space manufacturing remains the only option for a timely supply. With high flexibility in design and the ability to manufacture ready-to-use components directly from a computeraided model, additive manufacturing (AM) technologies appear extremely attractive. For the manufacturing of metal parts, laser-beam melting is the most widely used AM process. However, the handling of metal powders in the absence of gravity is one prerequisite for its successful application in space. A gas flow throughout the powder bed is successfully applied to compensate for missing gravitational forces in microgravity experiments. This so-called gas-flow-assisted powder deposition is based on a porous Building platform acting as a filter for the fixation of metal particles in a gas flow driven by a pressure difference maintained by a vacuum pump.
The project ProMoAM is presented. The goal of the project is to evaluate which NDT techniques or combination of techniques is suited for in-situ quality assurance in additive manufacturing of metals. To this end, also 3d-data fusion and visualization techniques are applied. Additional ex-situ NDT-techniques are used as references for defect detection and quantification. Feasability studies for NDT-techniques that are presently not applicable for in-situ use are performed as well.
The presentation gives a brief overview of the whole project and the different involved NDT-techniques.
Within the perspective of increasing reliability of AM processes, real-time monitoring allows part inspection while it is built and simultaneous defect detection. Further developments of real-time monitoring can also bring to self-regulating process controls. Key points to reach such a goal are the extensive research and knowledge of correlations between sensor signals and their causes in the process.
Monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles as reference material candidate for particle size measurements
(2020)
In order to utilize and rationally design materials at the nanoscale the reliable characterization of their physico-chemical properties is highly important, especially with respect to the assessment of their environmental or biological impact. Furthermore, the European Commission’s REACH Regulations require the registration of nanomaterials traded in quantities of at least 1 ton. Powders or dispersions where 50% (number distribution) of the constituent particles have sizes ≤ 100 nm in at least one dimension are defined as nanomaterials. This creates a need for industrial manufacturers and research or analytical service facilities to reliably characterize potential nanomaterials. Currently, BAM is developing reference nanoparticles, which shall expand the scarce list of worldwide available nano reference materials certified for particle size distribution and will also target other key parameters like shape, structure, porosity or functional properties. In this respect, materials like iron oxide or titanium dioxide are considered as candidates to complement the already available silica, Au, Ag, and polystyrene reference nanoparticles.
The thermal decomposition of iron oleate precursors in high boiling organic solvents can provide large quantities of iron oxide nanoparticles that can be varied in size and shape.[1, 2] The presence of oleic acid or other hydrophobic ligands as capping agents ensures stable dispersion in nonpolar solvents. Such monodisperse, spherical particles were synthesized at BAM and pre-characterized by electron microscopy (TEM, SEM including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) and dynamic light scattering comparing cumulants analysis and frequency power spectrum.
1. REACH regulations and nanosafety concerns create a strong need for nano reference materials with diverse properties.
2. Iron oxide nanoparticles are under development as new candidate reference material at BAM.
3. Narrow particle size distribution confirmed by light scattering and electron microscopy.
The 5G technology promises real time data transmission for industrial processes, autonomous driving, virtual and augmented reality, E-health applications and many more. The Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) technology is well suited for the manufacturing of microelectronic components for such applications. Still, improvement of the technology such as further miniaturization is required. This study focuses on the characterization of inner metallization of LTCC multilayer modules, especially on the vertical interconnect access (VIA). Critical considerations for this characterization are delamination, pore clustering in and at the edge of the VIA, deformation, and stacking offset. A LTCC multilayer consisting of a glassy crystalline matrix with silver based VIAs was investigated by synchrotron x-ray tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to propose a multitude of structural characteristic values to maximize the information gained from the available dataset. Data analysis has been done with the open source software ImageJ as well as several additional plugins. The high-resolution CT data was evaluated through 2D slices for accessibility reasons. The segmentation of all 2000 slices to assess the different regions e.g. pores, silver and glass ceramic was done by a supervised machine learning algorithm. A quantitative evaluation of shape, deformation, and porosity of the VIA with respect to its dimensions is presented and the suitability of the characterization approach is assessed.
The 5G technology promises real time data transmission for industrial processes, autonomous driving, virtual and augmented reality, E-health applications and many more. The Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) technology is well suited for the manufacturing of microelectronic components for such applications. Still, improvement of the technology such as further miniaturization is required. This study focuses on the characterization of inner metallization of LTCC multilayer modules, especially on the vertical interconnect access (VIA). Critical considerations for this characterization are delamination, pore clustering in and at the edge of the VIA, deformation, and stacking offset. A LTCC multilayer consisting of a glassy crystalline matrix with silver based VIAs was investigated by synchrotron x-ray tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to propose a multitude of structural characteristic values to maximize the information gained from the available dataset. Data analysis has been done with the open source software ImageJ as well as several additional plugins. The high-resolution CT data was evaluated through 2D slices for accessibility reasons. The segmentation of all 2000 slices to assess the different regions e.g. pores, silver and glass ceramic was done by a supervised machine learning algorithm. A quantitative evaluation of shape, deformation, and porosity of the VIA with respect to its dimensions is presented and the suitability of the characterization approach is assessed.
This paper investigates fast and inexpensive measurement methods for defect detection in parts produced by Additive Manufacturing (AM) with special focus on lattice parts made of ceramics. By Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing, parts were built both without defects and with typical defects intentionally introduced. These defects were investigated and confirmed by industrial X-ray Computed Tomography. Alternative inexpensive methods were applied afterwards on the parts such as weighing, volume determination by Archimedes method and gas permeability measurement. The results showed, that defects resulting in around 20% of change in volume and mass could be separated from parts free of defects by determination of mass or volume. Minor defects were not detectable as they were in the range of process-related fluctuations. Permeability measurement did not allow to safely identify parts with defects. The measurement methods investigated can be easily integrated in AM process chains to support quality control.
Practical breakdown voltage calculations using dielectric breakdown strength reference values
(2020)
Dielectric breakdown is a catastrophic failure of ceramic substrates and insulators. The use of dielectric breakdown strength (DBS) reference values for the dimensioning of such components is not straightforward, as the DBS depends on sample thickness and electrode area. This fact also hampers a valid comparison of data taken from different literature sources. Based on the empirically confirmed proportionality of DBS to the reciprocal square root of sample thickness and an approach to account for the influence of electrode area on the failure probability, a practical equation is derived to calculate the breakdown voltage for arbitrary sample thickness and electrode area from one set of DBS reference data. To validate the equation, the AC DBS of commercial alumina substrates with thicknesses ranging from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm was performed using different printed electrodes with varying areas. The breakdown voltages comprise a range from 18 kV for thick samples to 8.5 kV for thin samples, resulting in DBS values from 17 kV/mm for 1.0 mm thick samples to 29 kV/mm for 0.3 mm thin samples, all made from the same material. The influence of electrode area is comparatively smaller. The results calculated with the proposed equation are in reasonable accordance with the measured data. Thus, the equation can be applied for a proper comparison of literature DBS data measured in different setups and for a reasonable estimation of breakdown voltages in DBS tests and applications based on reference data.
The influence of the atomization technique on the suitability of granules for dry pressing is the focus of the presented investigations. Therefore, destabilized alumina, zirconia, and zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) slurries were spray dried and the obtained granules were used to fabricate green and finally sintered bodies for evaluation.
Granules made in a laboratory spray dryer with a two-fluid nozzle served as a reference. An ultrasonic atomizer was integrated into the same spray dryer and the influence on the granule properties was evaluated. Untapped bulk density, granule size distribution, and flowability are among the evaluated granule-related properties as well as the granule yield which is used as an indicator of the process efficiency.
Yield and flowability as most important granule properties are clearly improved when atomization is realized with ultrasound. The investigated sinter body properties include porosity, sinter body density, and biaxial strength and are as well positively affected by switching the atomization technique to ultrasound. Therefore, the Approach to improve the compressibility of granules by ultrasonic atomization, which leads to an improved microstructure, density, and strength of sintered bodies, has proven to be successful for single-component ceramics (alumina and zirconia) as well as for the multicomponent ceramic ZTA.
Reaction sintering and sintering additives for cost-effective production of thermoelectric oxides
(2020)
Thermoelectric oxides attract much interest recently. Although their thermoelectric properties are inferior to non-oxides, they exhibit distinct advantages. Thermoelectric oxides are stable in air at higher temperatures, their raw materials are less toxic, and more abundant. To enhance attractivity of these materials for industrial applications, production costs need to be reduced.
Conventionally, the legs of thermoelectric generators are sintered from green bodies of previously synthesized powder. Reaction-sintering is a fabrication method without a powder synthesis step, as the final phase is formed during the sintering from a raw material mixture. Moreover, the reduction of chemical potential during reaction-sintering is effective as an additional driving force for sintering. We show that reaction-sintering increases the densification of CaMnO3 (n-type, Sm doped). Consequently, the electrical conductivities improved by about 100 % leading to superior power factors (PF = 230 µW/mK² for CaMnO3).
Another approach to reduce the production costs is to lower the sintering temperature by adding sinter additives. The addition of 4 wt% CuO to CaMnO3 lowers the sinter temperature from 1250 °C to 1050 °C. The achieved power factor PF = 264 µW/mK is more than two times higher as reported in literature for the same dopant.
Thermoelectric materials can convert waste heat directly into electrical power by utilizing the Seebeck effect. Calcium cobaltite (Ca3Co4O9, p-type) and calcium manganate (CaMnO3, n-type) are two of the most promising oxide thermoelectric materials. The performance of these materials is evaluated by the power factor PF = S²∙σ and the figure of merit ZT = (PF ∙ T) / κ, demanding high Seebeck coefficient S, high electrical conductivity σ and low thermal conductivity κ. The latter two are increasing with increasing relative sinter density. According to theory, the relative density of ceramics can be improved by increasing the driving force for sintering. This study investigates different approaches to increase the driving force for sintering of Ca3Co4O9 and CaMnO3 to improve densities and thermoelectric properties.
The following approaches were applied: minimizing the energy input during powder synthesis by calcination, fine milling of the powder, using reaction-sintering without a powder synthesis step, and adding a transient liquid phase by sinter additives.
All different approaches led to an increased densification and thus higher electrical conductivity and higher PF. Thermal conductivity increased as well but not to the same extent. E.g. reaction-sintering increased the densification of Ca3Co4O9 (p-type) and CaMnO3 (n-type). Consequently, the electrical conductivities improved by about 100 % for both oxides leading to superior power factors (PF = 230 µW/mK² for CaMnO3). Although the thermal conductivity increased as well by 8 %, the figures of merit (ZT) were significantly higher compared to conventionally sintered bars. The addition of 4 wt% CuO as a sinter additive to CaMnO3 lowers the sinter temperature from above 1250 °C to below 1100 °C and increases the relative density. Due to the increased density, both electrical conductivity and PF increased by more than 200 % even though the sintering temperature was 150 K lower.
The possibility of creating patient-specific individual implants makes Additive Manufacturing technologies of special interest for the medical sector. For substitution of bone defects, powder based Additive Manufacturing by Binder Jetting is a suitable method to produce complex scaffold-like structures made of bioceramics with easily adapted geometries and controlled porosity. The process inherent residual porosity in the printed part, even though desired as it supports bone ingrowth, also leads to limited mechanical strength. Currently, bioceramic scaffolds made by Binder Jetting feature suitable biocompatible and biodegradable properties, while a sufficient mechanical stability is rather challenging. The purpose of this work is to apply the gas flow assisted powder deposition introduced in 2014 by Zocca et al., to the powder bed during printing of bioceramic tablets and scaffolds using α-TCP powder as feedstock. This enables exploiting the advantages of an increased powder bed density, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the printed parts.
A new approach for fabrication of ceramic components with inner channels is proposed, as a result of the combination of two additive and one subtractive manufacturing processes. In this project, porcelain parts are manufactured by the Layerwise Slurry Deposition (LSD) process, meanwhile end milling and Direct Ink Writing (DIW) are applied to create channels on the surface of the deposited ceramic. Unique to the LSD process is the Formation of a freestanding powder bed with a mechanical strength comparable to conventional slip casted ceramic green bodies. Combining these three processes allows the manufacturing of ceramic objects containing an internal path of ink, which in this case was a graphite-based ink that can be further eliminated by heat treatment to obtain a porcelain object embedded with channels. The results show the capabilities of this method and its potential to fabricate not only parts with inner channels, but also multi-material and multi-functional components (such as integrated electronic circuits).
Future lunar exploration can benefit greatly from In-Situ Resource Utilization. Accordingly, the in-Situ Resource Utilization approach highlights the need for detailed analysis of lunar regolith. In this study, JSC-2A Simulant was studied regarding its sintering and melting behaviour using Differential Thermal Analysis under ambient and inert conditions. The minerals at the crystalline peaks were determined using X-Ray Diffraction analysis.
Moreover, melting droplet shape and wetting behaviour of pressed regolith samples of different particle size distributions were studied by Hot Stage Microscopy technique. Hot Stage Microscopy experiments were performed at different heating rates under ambient conditions. Bloating effects within the solidified samples were then qualitatively examined by X-ray tomography. Lastly, the optimization of processing strategies for the Additive Manufacturing of lunar regolith is discussed.
The wet processing of regolith simulant for clay in situ resource utilization (ISRU) on Mars is presented. The two raw materials from the Mars global simulant family, one without clay (MGS-1) and one with clay - sodium montmorillonite smectite - (MGS-1C) were milled and mixed to produce a simulant with small particle size and reduced clay content (MGS-1C/8). All three simulants and the pure clay raw material were extensively characterized using XRF, synchrotron XRD, gas adsorption and gas pycnometry methods. In a straightforward processing approach, MGS-1C/8 was mixed with water and different dispersant approaches were investigated, all of which gave stable slurries. Particle size distribution, rheology, ion concentration, pH and electrical conductivity of these slurries were characterized. The slurry systems can easily be adapted to fit all typical ceramic shaping routes and here parts of varying complexity from slip casting, throwing on a potter's wheel and additive manufacturing, including material extrusion (robocasting) and binder jetting (powder bed 3D printing) were produced.
The unique properties of the sodium montmorillonite clay, which is readily accessible in conjunction with magnesium sulfate on the Martian surface, acted as a natural nanosized binder and produced high strength green bodies (unfired ceramic body) with compressive strength from 3.3 to 7.5 MPa. The most elaborate additive manufacturing technique layerwise slurry deposition (LSD) produced water-resistant green bodies with a compressive strength of 30.8 ± 2.5 MPa by employing a polymeric binder, which is similar or higher than the strength of standard concrete. The unfired green bodies show sufficient strength to be used for remote Habitat building on Mars using additive manufacturing without humans being present.
This chapter first gives an introduction to the concepts of SSA and volume-specific surface area (VSSA) and an outline of the BET method. It continues with a discussion of the relationship between particle size, shape, and the VSSA, followed by an overview of instrumentation, experimental methods, and standards. Finally, sections on the use of the VSSA as a tool to identify nanomaterials and non-nanomaterials and its role in a regulatory context provide some insight on the importance of VSSA in the current Regulation of nanomaterials.
Bioactive glass ceramics have excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity; and can form direct chemical bonds with human bones; thus, these ceramic are considered as “Smart” materials. In this study, we develop a new type of bioactive glass ceramic (AP40mod) as a scaffold containing Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and Mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to repair critical-sized bone defects in rabbit mandibles. For in vitro experiments:
AP40mod was prepared by Dgital light processing (DLP) system and the optimal ratio of EPCs/BMSCs was screened by analyzing cell proliferation and ALP activity, as well as the influence of genes related to osteogenesis and angiogenesis by direct inoculation into scaffolds. The scaffold showed suitable mechanical properties, with a Bending strength 52.7 MPa and a good biological activity. Additionally, when EPCs/BMSCs ratio were combined at a ratio of 2:1 with AP40mod, the ALP activity, osteogenesis and angiogenesis were significantly increased. For in vivo experiments: application of AP40mod/EPCs/BMSCs (after 7 days of in vitro spin culture) to repair and reconstruct critical-sized mandible defect in rabbit showed that all scaffolds were successfully accurately implanted into the defect area. As revealed by macroscopically and CT at the end of 9 months, defects in the AP40mod/EPCs/BMSCs group were nearly completely covered by normal bone and the degradation rate was 29.9% compared to 20.1% in the AP40mod group by the 3D reconstruction. As revealed by HE and Masson staining analyses, newly formed blood vessels, bone marrow and collagen maturity were significantly increased in the AP40mod/EPCs/BMSCs group compared to those in the AP40mod group. We directly inoculated cells on the novel material to screen for the best inoculation ratio. It is concluded that the AP40mod combination of EPCs/BMSCs is a promising approach for repairing and reconstructing large load bearing bone defect.
Transformers couple two sections of a circuit by electromagnetic induction. They are widely used to either transform alternating voltage levels or to transmit power or signals across galvanic isolation. Both of these functions are essential for the operation of sensors and controllers. Covering all aspects from idea to circuit performance and from design to manufacture, this paper presents the first comprehensive description of the making of miniaturized, rugged, up-to-100W transformers for embedding into multilayer circuit boards. For circular coils, the well-manageable Ampere-Laplace law is shown to yield reliable designs, predicting correctly the performance of manufactured hardware. This enables fast design without lengthy finite element modelling. In the low-power linear regime, basic relations describe how the device’s characteristics evolve from the material properties and device structure. While scattering Parameters are useful for the analysis of isolated transformers with their intrinsic parasitics, the interaction with the components of the final circuit and the aspects of power and efficiency are addressed by chain matrixes.
While these design rules are similar for multilayer boards of different material (like epoxy, Teflon, ceramics), the manufacturing of ceramic board transformers is considered here in detail. Low-temperature-cofired ceramic (LTCC) boards being sintered at 900 °C are particularly suited for harsh environments with chemical or thermal stress as frequently found at sensor positions. The transformer performance usually benefits from or even requires an integrated ceramic core of higher permeability, a ferrite, to shape the magnetic flux. Methods to sinter ferrites inside a dielectric ceramic multilayerandto measure their performance are therefore described in detail.Asthe sintering behaviour of dielectricandmagnetic ceramics differs considerably, their simultaneous sintering is challenging.However, the sintering temperatures of the usefulMnZnand NiZnCu ferrites can be lowered to that of the dielectric material with only moderate loss of permeability by glass additives. Furthermore, thermal mismatch between materials causes catastrophic failure or at least stress and loss of magnetic performance during cooling to room temperature after sintering. This is avoidable by either adjusting the thermal expansion coefficient of the ferrite or by enclosing the ferrite between stressreleasing separation layers.We present the state of the art in materials development according to the first approach as well as fully functional devices made with the second technique.
Other applications not directly addressed but well related to this work are characterized by low load resistance in relation to the coil resistance of the transformer. Efficient power transmission then requires that technological solutions are applied to achieve the lowest possible resistive loss inside the coils by an enlarged conductor cross-section.
As this is particularly challenging for LTCC boards, a technique is discussed to fabricate conductor traces with a thickness larger than their width.
Methods and materials are presented here, which enable the manufacturing of fine structures using a 3D-printing method known as two-photon polymerization (2PP). As traditional photolithography methods for structuring ceramic slurries do not function with 2PP, due to light scattering on ceramic particles, a novel water-based photoresist with high ceramic loading of extremely well dispersed ceramic nano particles was developed. This photoresist is basically a ceramic slurry containing a photocurable agent and a photoinitiator to be crosslinkable with the 780 nm wavelength femtosecond laser light source of the 2PP machine. It is demonstrated that it is possible to gain a highly transparent and low viscous slurry suitable for 2PP processing. This work shows the development of the slurry, first printing results and the post-printing processes required to form three dimensional ceramic microstructures consisting of alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ).
The wireless high-frequency technology requires a robust, cost-effective, and highly integrated substrate technology offering the capability for areas of tailored permittivity. The wet-chemical porosification of low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) substrates offers such an approach by locally embedding air. Porosification of LTCC in both extremely acidic and alkaline media has been investigated in previous works. However, for improving the available knowledge on the porosification of LTCC with H3PO4 as a standard and a widely used etching solution, the impact of solution concentration was systematically investigated and a substantial improvement in the etching performance was achieved. Moreover, in the present study, for the first time, the intermediate pH values, and the impact of pH as a key parameter on the etching process have been investigated. For this purpose, the applicability of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) as a prospective novel etchant mixture for the porosification of a commercially available LTCC tape (Ceramtape GC) was explored. Valuable information about surface morphology, crystalline composition, and the pore structure of the etched LTCCs was gathered employing scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and mercury porosimetry measurements. Based on these findings, the performance of PBS-based etchant systems towards the generation of porous LTCCs combining high depths of porosification with acceptable surface characteristics for subsequent metallization is demonstrated. Based on the obtained results, by application of a 0.2 mol L−1 solution of PBS, the effective relative permittivity of test samples with a thickness of approximately 600 µm and a porosification depth of 186 µm from each side, could be reduced up to 10% of its initial “as fired” value. Also, based on the measurement results and by measuring the depth of porosification, the permittivity of the etched layer was estimated to show a reduction of up to 22% compared to the initial “as fired” value.
Background, Motivation and Objective
Nanomaterials are at the core of some of the 21st century’s most promising technologies. In order to utilize and rationally design materials at the nanoscale the reliable characterization of their physico-chemical properties is highly important. Furthermore, the European Commission has taken measures via the REACH Regulations to control the classification of nanomaterials. REACH Annexes which entered into force in January 2020 require manufacturers to register nanomaterials that are traded in larger quantities (at least 1 ton). Every powder or dispersion where 50% (number distribution) of the constituent particles have sizes ≤ 100 nm in at least one dimension are defined as a nanomaterial. This creates a need for both industrial manufacturers and research and analytical service facilities to reliably characterize potential nanomaterials. Currently, BAM is working on developing reference nanoparticles, which shall expand the scarce list of worldwide available nano reference materials certified for particle size distribution, but also targeting other key parameters such as shape, structure (including porosity) and functional properties. Thus, candidate materials are considered to complement the already available spherical and monodisperse silica, Au and polystyrene reference nanoparticles, e.g. iron oxide and titanium oxide, with an average atomic number between those of silica and gold. Particularly for the imaging by electron microscopies, new nanoparticles of well-defined size in the range of 10 nm are decisive for the accurate particle segmentation by setting precise thresholds.
Statement of Contribution/Methods
Synthesis: Highly monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized in large quantities by thermal decomposition of iron oleate or iron acetylacetonate precursors in high boiling solvents such as octadecene or dioctyl ether in the presence of oleic acid and oleylamine as capping agents.
Scanning Electron Microscope: An SEM of type Supra 40 from Zeiss has been used including the dedicated measurement mode transmission in SEM (STEM-in-SEM) with a superior material contrast for the nanoparticle analysis. The software package ImageJ has been used for the analysis of the STEM-in-SEM images and to determine the particle size distribution.
Dynamic Light scattering (DLS): Particles in suspension were measured in comparison by means of Zetasizer Nano (Malvern Panalytical; cumulants analysis) and NanoFlex (Microtrac; frequency power spectrum).
Results/Discussion
In this study iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized at BAM and pre-characterized by DLS, SEM (including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) are presented. The particles are spherical and highly monodisperse with sizes slightly larger than 10 nm.
Calcium cobaltite Ca3Co4O9, abbreviated Co349, is a promising thermoelectric material for high‐temperature applications in air. Its anisotropic properties can be assigned to polycrystalline parts by texturing. Tape casting and pressure‐assisted sintering (PAS) are a possible future way for a cost‐effective mass‐production of thermoelectric generators. This study examines the influence of pressure and dwell time during PAS at 900°C of tape‐cast Co349 on texture and thermoelectric properties. Tape casting aligns lentoid Co349. PAS results in a textured Co349 microstructure with the thermoelectrically favorable ab‐direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. By pressure variation during sintering, the microstructure of Co349 can be tailored either toward a maximum figure of merit as required for energy harvesting or toward a maximum power factor as required for energy harvesting. Moderate pressure of 2.5 MPa results in 25% porosity and a textured microstructure with a figure of merit of 0.13 at 700°C, two times higher than the dry‐pressed, pressureless‐sintered reference. A pressure of 7.5 MPa leads to 94% density and a high power factor of 326 µW/mK2 at 800°C, which is 11 times higher than the dry‐pressed reference (30 MPa) from the same powder.
Der Vortrag beleuchtet insbesondere die Herausforderungen die sich bei der Dispergierung der Nanopulver aufgrund der hohen Adhäsivkräfte ergeben. Die Bewertung der Probenpräparation ist nur indirekt zugänglich, aber essentiell für die Zuverlässigkeit der Messergebnisse. Anhand von Beispielen werden Lösungsvorschläge aufgezeigt. Der Vortrag schließt mit einem Vorschlag zur Strategie der Herangehensweise bei der Partikelgrößenbestimmung von Nanopulvern.
The effect of particle grain sizes in different cement-based mixtures on the laser-induced plasma evolution is studied using two experimental methods: (i) temporal and spatial evolution of the laser-induced shock wave is investigated using shadowgraphy and two-dimensional plasma imaging, and (ii) temporal and spatial distribution of elements in the plasma is investigated using two-dimensional spectral imaging. This study is motivated by the interest in applying laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for chemical analysis of concrete, and subsequently obtain information related to damage assessment of structures like bridges and parking decks. The distribution of grain sizes is of major interest in civil engineering as for making concrete different aggregate grain sizes defined by a sieving curve (64mm to 0.125 mm) are needed. Aggregates up to a size of 180 μm can be excluded from the data set, therefore only the amount of small aggregates with a grain size below 180 μm must be considered with LIBS. All components of the concrete with a grain size smaller than 0.125mm are related to the flour grain content. Tested samples consisted of dry and hardened cement paste (water-cement ratio w/z=0.5), which served as a reference. Aggregate mixtures were made by adding flour grains (size 40 μm) and silica fume (size 0.1 μm) in different ratios to cement: 10%, 30%, 50% and 60%, all combined to the remaining percentage of dry or hydrated cement. The visualization results show that a dependance in the evolution of the plasma as a function of sample grain size can be detected only in the initial stages of the plasma formation, that is, at the initial 3 μs of the plasma life. Spectral information reveals the elemental distribution of the silicon and calcium in plasma, in both neutral and ionized form. Here also, a significant effect is observed in the first 1 μs of the plasma lifetime.
Calcium alkali metal (potassium and sodium) double and triple phosphates have been synthesized in different ways. Was for the first time used reaction sintering to produce ceramics based on calcium alkali metal mixed phosphates and investigated the densification behavior of mixed phosphate-based multiphase materials during sintering by this method. Was presented the microstructure of polished surfaces of sintered samples differing in phase composition and determined the density of ceramics prepared using reaction mixtures differing in composition. The effect of reaction sintering on the porosity of the ceramics has been assessed. Using stereolithographic printing and reaction sintering, was produced macroporous mixed Calcium phosphate-based ceramic implants. Their compressive strength has been determined to be 0.78 ± 0.21 MPa for two-phase samples and 1.02 ± 0.13 MPa for three-phase samples.
The insulation system of high voltage electrical devices like generators and electrical motors has to withstand thermal, electrical, ambient and mechanical influences (TEAM) during operation. Especially the dielectric properties have to satisfy the requirements also under elevated temperatures and extreme environments. To provide this high quality, the conventional fabrication process uses partly manually applied insulation tapes combined with a cost-intensive and under safety concerns at least problematic vacuum pressure impregnation step (VPI). In order to reduce process costs by increasing the degree of automation and avoiding the VPI process, additively manufactured (AM) insulations were studied. This study focuses on the fabrication of ceramic/polymer compounds via AM technique. The AM technology used a rotating screw extrusion print head with air pressure to supply the paste. Plate-like samples with dimensions of 55 mm x 55 mm x1mm thickness were produced. This work focuses on the homogeneously high viscous paste with 12.5 to 50 volume % ratio of filler particles. Three types of mica powders as ceramic filler materials with different particle sizes from micro to mm scale were evaluated. The controlled volume % ratio of particles affects the paste viscosity which enables stacking of paste layers with a viscosity close to clay pastes. The mixed pastes were cured by heating and UV light to increase mechanical properties. A TG/DTA was performed, and electrical properties were investigated. First experiments with respect to the dielectric properties such as volume resistance, permittivity and dielectric strength revealed promising results and the possibility to use AM techniques for the fabrication of high voltage insulations for electrical machines.
Additive manufacturing (AM) is developing rapidly due to itsflexibility in producing complex geometries and tailored material compositions. However, AM processes are characterized by intrinsic limitations concerning their resolution and surface finish, which are related to the layer-by-layer stacking process. Herein, a self-organization process is promoted as an approach to improve surface quality and achieve optimization of 3D minimal surface lightweight structures. The self-organization is activated after the powder bed 3D printing process via local melting, thereby allowing surface tension-driven viscous flow.The surface roughness Ra (arithmetic average of the roughness profile) could bedecreased by a factor of 1000 and transparent lenses and complex gyroid structures could be produced for demonstration. The concept of self-organization is further elaborated by incorporating external magnetic fields to intentionally manipulate magnetic particles, which are mixed with the polymer before printing and self-organization. This concept can be applied to develop programmable materials with specific microtextures responding to the external physical conditions.
Glass-ceramic composites as insulation material for thermoelectric oxide multilayer generators
(2021)
Thermoelectric generators can be used as energy harvesters for sensor applications.
Adapting the ceramic multilayer technology, their production can be
highly automated. In such multilayer thermoelectric generators, the electrical insulation material, which separates the thermoelectric legs, is crucial for the performance of the device. The insulationmaterial should be adapted to the thermoelectric regarding its averaged coefficient of thermal expansion α and its sintering temperature while maintaining a high resistivity.
In this study, starting from theoretical calculations, a glass-ceramic Composite material adapted for multilayer generators fromcalciummanganate and Calcium cobaltite is developed. The material is optimized towards an α of 11 × 10−6 K−1 (20–500◦C), a sintering temperature of 900◦C, and a high resistivity up to 800◦C.
Calculated and measured α are in good agreement. The chosen glass-ceramic composite with 45 vol.% quartz has a resistivity of 1 × 107 Ωcm and an open porosity of <3%. Sintered multilayer samples from tape-cast thermoelectric oxides and screen-printed insulation show only small reaction layers. It can be concluded that glass-ceramic composites are a well-suited material class for insulation layers as their physical properties can be tuned by varying glass composition or dispersion phases.
Tour de table - BAM
(2021)
In additive manufacturing the powder bed based processes binder jetting and powder bed fusion are increasingly used also for the production of ceramics. Final part properties depend to a high percentage on the powder bed density. Therefore, the aim is to use the best combination of powder deposition method and powder which leads to a high packing of the particles. The influence of flowability, powder properties and deposition process on the powder bed density is discussed and the different deposition processes including slurry-based ones are reviewed.
It turns out that powder bed density reached by slurry-based layer deposition exceeds conventional powder deposition, however, layer drying and depowdering are extra steps or more time-consuming for the slurry route.
Depending on the material properties needed the most suitable process for the part has to be selected.