Microstructural changes and properties of LaxBa(1-x) (Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 multilayer dielectric ceramics via digital light processing

Tape casting is currently the mainstream method for preparing multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC). However, digital light processing (DLP) shows great promise for MLCC preparation due to its planar exposure and layer-by-layer printing characteristics. In this study, LaxBa(1-x) (Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (LBZT) ceramics were fabricated using DLP molding. The effects of La content change on the phase composition, microstructure, and properties of the materials were investigated. A stable ceramic slurry was formulated, and its rheological behaviors and cure properties were studied. TG-DTG was used to develop a two-step debinding process, and its debinding mechanism was analyzed. Finally, the samples were sintered by holding at 1300 °C for 4 h. The results showed that with the increase in La content, the phase composition gradually transformed from the rhombohedral to the tetragonal phase. The microstructure was initially gradually dense, and then the pores increased rapidly, resulting in a quick decrease in relative density. LBZT ceramics exhibited the densest structure at x = 0.006: ρ = 5.79 g/cm3 with a relative density of 95.74%, and have the most excellent dielectric properties (25 °C, 1 kHz): εr = 7068, tanδ = 0.232.