Thermoanalytic characterization of binder burnout and sintering of lead-free piezoelectric KNNLT multilayer laminates with Ni electrodes

Abstract For competitive lead-free piezoceramic multilayer actuators (MLA) it is required to include base metal electrodes (BMEs). However, thermal processing of KNN-based multilayers with Ni necessitates precise control the oven atmosphere in order phase composition and functional performance piezoceramics electrodes. Sintering MLAs BMEs performed at low oxygen partial pressure followed by a reoxidation treatment reduce concentration vacancies increase resistivity ferroelectric, simultaneously, BME must not be oxidized. Within this complex protocol, debindering laminates very important process step proper binder removal critical avoid formation defects or flaws oxidation We have studied behavior MLA fabricated from PVB-based slip formulation using analysis complementary burnout experiments under reducing atmospheres. It shown that allows for protection layers, but incomplete decomposition occurs lower p O2 . On other hand, after 350 °C air complete little only was observed, allowing use these conditions prepare MLAs.