ROLES OF POLY(PROPYLENE GLYCOL) DURING SOLVENT-BASED LAMINATION OF CERAMIC
GREEN TAPES
Nitinat Suppakarn,* Hatsuo Ishida,* and James D. Cawley*.
*Department of Macromolecular Science and **Department of Materials Science and
Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Abstract
Solvent lamination of alumina green tapes is readily accomplished using a mixture of
ethanol, toluene, and poly(propylene glycol), or PPG. After lamination, the PPG is clearly present
as a discrete film at the interface between the laminated tapes, and direct particle-particle contact
does not, in general, exist across the joined surfaces. This condition, however, does not generate
delamination during firing. Instead, stacks of green tapes laminated using this mixture routinely
sinter to full density and no evidence of original joint persists through the firing process. This
paper presents the results of experiments undertaken to determine the role of PPG in the
lamination process and, specifically, the mechanism by which it is redistributed during
subsequent processing. PPG slowly diffuses through the organic binder film at room
temperature. The PPG diffusion rapidly increases as the temperature is in creased to 80C. The
key to the efficiency of adhesives during green-tape lamination is mutual solubility of the
nonvolatile component of the glue and the base polymeric binder.
Published in Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 84(2), 289, 2001 J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 84(2), 289,
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PHASE DISTRIBUTION WITHIN THE ORGANIC CONSTITUENTS OF CERAMIC GREEN TAPE
AND RELATION TO PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Nitinat Suppakarn*, Hatsuo Ishida, and James D. Cawley*
*Department of Macromolecular Science
**Department of Material Science and Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106
Abstract
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile testing are used to study the properties
of a commercial ceramic green tape. Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing the physical state
of the organic subcomponent, i.e., the binder system. Rather than the expected compatible or
single-phase, organic system marked phase separation is observed at room temperature. This
information can be used to explain the complex mechanical behavior of this ceramic green tape
that is dependent on aging time at room and elevated temperatures.
To be Published in Journal of the American Ceramic Society.
POLYMER ASSISTED LAMINATION OF CERAMIC GREEN TAPE
Nitinat Suppakarn,* Zhien Liu and James D. Cawley**
*School of Polymer Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology
Nakhonratchasrima 30000, Thailand
**Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Abstract
Multilayer manufacturing processes allow easy fabrication of large or, more often,
complex ceramic components. Commonly in this process, a sheet-like powder-compact or “green
tape” is first prepared. Then, the sheet materials are cut or punched into the desired shapes before
joining together and sintering to obtain the final ceramic component with useful properties.
Solvent lamination for alumina green tapes has been readily accomplished using a mixture of
ethanol, toluene and poly(propylene glycol), PPG. However, the role of nonvolatile component,
PPG, during the lamination process was not clearly understood. The purpose of the work
reported herein is to determine the redistribution of the PPG during subsequent processing of
green tape lamination. Based on these results, the environmentally friendly, solvent free system,
f o r
g r e e n
t a p e
l a m i n a t i o n
w a s
d e v e l o p e d .
Published in “The First Thailand Materials Science and Technology Proceedings,” MTEC,
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COATED FEEDSTOCK FOR FABRICATION OF CERAMIC PARTS BY CAM-LEM
Zhien Liu**, N. Suppakarn*, and James D. Cawley**
*Department of Macromolecular Science
**Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland Ohio 44106-7204
Abstract
In laminated object manufacturing of ceramic components, lamination is one of the most
important materials issues. Good lamination can ensure monolithic finished component.
Otherwise, lamination defect will occur in the parts, which will affect the properties of ceramic
components. Adhesive (both liquid and non-liquid) lamination were developed for the cut-thenstack (CAM-LEM) procedure. Especially, the non-liquid adhesive lamination was discussed in
m
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e
d
e
t
a
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s
.
Published in “Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium Proceedings, Edited by D. Bourell, J.J. Beaman, R.
Crawford, H.L. Marcus, and J.W. Barlow, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 393, 1999.