Inkjet Printing of Piezoelectric Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate Thick Films

This study shows the fabrication of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN–PT) thick-films by inkjet printing on ceramic substrates for the first time. PMN–PT powder, prepared by mechanochemical synthesis, is dispersed in an organic solvent using a three roll mill to form a high-viscosity paste. For printing, the paste is thinned to a low-viscosity ink. Small amounts of ethyl cellulose in the ink prevent sedimentation. Glass particles are added to the paste to improve adhesion on the substrate surface. A two step inkjet-printing process forming homogeneous layers is introduced. After sintering at 950 °C for 2 h, piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is used to investigate the piezoelectric response of the printed films.