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DESIGN, ASSEMBLY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOSITE ...

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5.2.6. Hardness of Composites<br />

Microindentation Vickers test (0.5 kgf load, 5 seconds) is used to measure<br />

hardness of Ni(m) composites. For each Ni(m) composition, cylindrical rod specimens<br />

are sintered in moist H2/N2 gas at 1350 °C for 1 hour. In preparation for hardness testing,<br />

these specimens are cross-sectioned using a diamond saw (Labcut 1010, Extec, Enfield,<br />

CT), embedded in epoxy resin, and then polished using a polisher (Labpol 8-12, Extec,<br />

Enfield, CT) with diamond pastes at 3 to 0.25 µm particle size (DiaDuo, Struers,<br />

Denmark). For comparison purposes, density of each sample is determined by<br />

Archimedes method.<br />

5.3. Results and Discussion<br />

5.3.1. Preparation of Colloidal Inks<br />

Despite the dissimilar surface chemistries of BT and Ni particles, Ni(m) gel may<br />

be prepared by directly blending polyelectrolyte stabilized BT and Ni suspensions. The<br />

initial gel strength depends on the mixing ratio of BT to Ni, and may require adjustment<br />

by appropriate polyelectrolyte addition to achieve proper gel strength for use in<br />

Robocasting. Pure BT ink is prepared using a dispersant containing the predetermined<br />

amount of PAA and PAA-90K followed by flocculation using PEI, so that its solid<br />

volume fraction and drying behavior become compatible to Ni(m) inks.<br />

The surface chemistry of nickel and barium titanate as colloidal particles are<br />

135, 137, 142-144,<br />

complex and disagreement exists in the literature about their isoelectric point,<br />

162, 163 Nevertheless anionic PAA stabilized BT and cationic PEI stabilized Ni<br />

suspensions may be directly blended to form the Ni(m) colloidal gel ink. After rigorous<br />

144

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