Growth of net-shape PMN-PT single crystal components by fused deposition of ceramics (FDC) and templated grain growth (TGG) techniques

The net-shape capabilities of Fused Deposition of Ceramics (FDC) and the cost efficient growth technique of templated grain growth (TGG) have been combined to fabricate single crystal Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3 -PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) components. PMN-PT (65/35) filament containing excess lead oxide (PbO) was used to fabricate a matrix layer-by-layer via FDC. SrTO3 (111) and (110) single crystals were embedded into the matrix. After heat treatment of 1250degreesC for 10 hours, the growth was approximately 2.5 mm from the SrTiO3 (111) single crystal to the tip of the grown area. The same process was used to grow (110) PMN-PT single crystals as well. X-ray diffraction and x-ray mapping studies have shown that the grown crystals closely match the PMN-PT (65/35) composition, and are oriented in the SrTiO3 single crystal direction. As compared to matrix samples sintered under the same conditions, the d(33) value improved from 390 to 600 pC/N, dielectric constant from 2650 to similar to4500, and the loss tangent from 0.48% to 0.33% for (111) grown crystals. The (110) grown crystal values were improved to d(33) = 900 pC/N and K similar to 4450. These techniques are being used to grow net-shape single crystal components such as 2-2 composites and spiral actuators.