optimizing the printability of 3d printed alumina parts fabricated by direct ink writing

This research investigates the printability of alumina pastes using the direct ink writing (diw) process. the print paste was prepared with different loadings of 65, 70, and 75 wt% alumina powders and three different particle sizes of 5, 15, and 30 μm. two types of pva binders were used, deionized water as a solvent, and other additives such as plasticizers and dispersants were incorporated in order to optimize the rheological properties of the paste. the alumina pastes after preparation were examined for their rheological properties when the raw materials were mixed. the pastes were then printed using an extrusion-based 3d printer and then heat-treated at 1200°c to create the final ceramic parts. microstructure properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy (sem), density was measured by archimedes method, and flexural strength was tested. optimal composition of diw-based fabrication was 75 wt% alumina with particle size of 15 μm.