Gelcasting based solid freeform fabrication of piezoelectric ceramic objects

Selective laser sintering (SLS) in combination with gelcasting are developed to form complex-shaped lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic frameworks for piezoelectric ceramic polymer composites. SLS is utilized to fabricate lost molds for the ceramic parts. Based on the gelcasting technique and specially selected composite plastic powders for SLS, complex-shaped PZT parts are successfully fabricated. (C) 2002 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.