Photosensitive ZrO2 suspensions for stereolithography

In this work, high solid loading, low viscosity photosensitive ZrO2 suspensions with optimized rheological properties for stereolithography based additive manufacturing was developed. The influence of dispersant types, concentrations and solid loading on their dispersion behavior and rheological behavior were studied. In addition, the dispersion mechanism and suspension stability were also characterized. The optimal dispersant and concentration for the suspension with 40 vol% solid loading were KO110 and 2 wt%, respectively. These results revealed that the ZrO2 suspensions presented near-fluid behavior, which was close to Newtonian flow, resulting in a low viscosity and stability for stereolithography based additive manufacturing. A photosensitive ZrO2 suspension with a high solid loading of 55 vol% and a low viscosity of 1.65 Pa s at the shear rate of 200 s(-1) was achieved when the dispersant and concentration were KOS110 and 2 wt%, respectively.