Ti₃SiC₂-based inks for direct ink-jet printing technology

In this work a novel aqueous Ti₃SiC₂ suspension for use as an ink for direct ceramic ink-jet printing technology was formulated and investigated. In order to obtain a suitable Ti₃SiC₂ particle size for printing, a high energy milling process was applied. Zeta potential and rheological analysis were carried out to achieve stabilization of the inks. The range of printability was calculated by the inverse of the Ohnesorge number (Z). Polyethylenimine (PEI) was used as a dispersant and glycerol was used to adjust the viscosity. Thus, an aqueous suspension containing 0.05 vol% Ti₃SiC₂, 2 wt% PEI, and 40 wt% glycerol at pH 4.3 and with a Z-value of 11 was obtained. For printing evaluation, the ink was printed onto a glass substrate. The drop formation through the piezoelectric printer nozzle and the drop deposition were also evaluated.