Study on liquid-phase sintering and magnetic properties of SLA-printed Mn-Zn ferrite ceramics

To obtain Mn-Zn ferrite magnetic ceramic parts with good densification and magnetic properties, a study was conducted. Mn-Zn ferrite magnetic ceramic parts with a solid particle content of 58 vol% were prepared using stereolithography (SLA). The SLA-cured ceramic blanks were degreased and sintered. The degreasing process for Mn-Zn ferrite parts was optimized using a direct heat degreasing method, resulting in a suitable process for the ferrite magnetic ceramic paste system. The method of liquid phase sintering is proposed for sintering the degreased ferrite parts. The study investigated the impact of the content of accelerant, sintering temperature, and holding time on the density and magnetic properties of Mn-Zn ferrite parts. The optimal parameters were found to be a firing aid content of 3 wt%, a sintering temperature of 900 degrees C, and a holding time of 90 min. Under these conditions, the parts exhibited a density of 4.43 g/cm3, densification of 91.4 %, saturation magnetization strength of 64 emu/g, and coercivity of 10 Oe. Finally, the sintering control mechanism of SLA-printed ferrite magnetic ceramics was analyzed. The study revealed the grain growth process and magnetization principle of Mn-Zn ferrite during liquid phase sintering. This research provides guidance for the subsequent photocuring printing and degreasing sintering of Mn-Zn ferrite ceramics. Additionally, Mn-Zn ferrite magnetic ceramic parts prepared by the SLA method also hold a wide application prospect in various precision electronic components.