Optimization of barium titanate nanopowder slip for tape casting

Dispersion of barium titanate nano powder of average particle size ∼30 nm in different solvent systems of tape casting (toluene–ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone–ethanol, xylene–ethanol) along with Triton x-100 or phosphate ester as dispersants has been studied using sedimentation experiments. The influence of different parameters such as type of solvent system, dispersant and concentration of dispersant on BaTiO₃ slip dispersion, viscosity and the properties of green tape were studied. The optimal concentration of dispersant was determined from the minimum slip viscosity. Xylene–ethanol with phosphate ester was found to be the best solvent and dispersant system for tape casting. Defect free, denser and smooth green tapes are formed with this system.