pH effect on electrophoretic deposition in non-aqueous suspensions and sintering of YSZ coatings

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) particle suspension in acetylacetone (ACAC) was deposited onto Fecralloy substrates by using EPD and then constrained sintered at 1200 degrees C. Before EPD, the operational pH value of the suspension was adjusted with addition of acetic acid or base triethanolamine (TEA). The effect of suspension pH on the deposition of EPD coatings was studied with respect to the suspension stability, coating density and microstructure. Results showed that the zeta potential decreased to close to zero with the increase of pH value from 4.4 to 7.4, then increased with further increase of the pH. This 'U' shape zeta potential-pH relationship was probably resulted from the adsorption of TEA. This reduced the degree of particle coagulation and increased the packing density of the EPD coatings; therefore, promoted the sequent sintering of coatings which was evaluated by micro-hardness.