Direct ink writing of aqueous-based Gadolinium (III) oxide slurries

Abstract

Gadolinium (III) oxide (gadolinia, Gd₂O₃) has recently been identified as an intriguing material for applications in the medical, solid oxide fuel cell, and nuclear industries. This interest drives the need for developing and understanding manufacturing techniques that can produce dense Gd₂O₃ structures. Direct ink writing (DIW), an extrusion-based additive manufacturing method, has also garnered interest because of its capability to produce dense ceramic parts with increased complexity in an economical manner. In this study, DIW was explored as a manufacturing technique for Gd₂O₃. Experiments were performed to develop Gd₂O₃ bearing inks capable of being processed via DIW. Ink solids loading and sintering temperatures were varied to assess their impact on the final density and microstructure. Optimum sintering conditions are proposed and were experimentally verified at a dwell temperature of 1500°C. Gd₂O₃ samples were successfully manufactured using DIW, achieving densities greater than 96 % of the theoretical density.