Fabrication of a thin film of sheet-like Metal Powder by using flow Assisted EPD

Abstract

Thin films of sheet-like powder were fabricated by using flow assisted electrophoretic deposition method (flow assisted EPD). Effects of slurry properties and EPD conditions on the microstructure of fabricated thin film were investigated. It was shown that the film had a relatively homogeneous microstructure when the slurry flow rate was high, even though the amount of deposited powder was small. It was also found that the films fabricated from slurries with different pH value had almost the same microstructure by using flow assisted EPD. The particle dispersion and flocculation state should be changed when changing slurry pH, however, assisted slurry flow with an appropriate flow rate may break the aggregates and maintain relatively well dispersion of particles, resulting in homogeneous structure of fabricated films.