Method of making and ceramic articles with multiple regions of distinct density
View Patent ↗A method for producing ceramic articles with multiple distinct regions of density by blending pore formers of different types or amounts with ceramic particles to create multiple pore former/ceramic particle mixtures. The mixtures are placed in a divided die cavity, divider removed and subjected to compaction under pressure to produce a compacted billet. The compacted billet is thermally processed to volatilize organics from the billet and sinter the billet, creating a cohesive billet of ceramic having two or more regions of density.
1. A ceramic article having multiple distinct regions of density, the article comprising:
a first portion having a first density; and
a second portion having a second density, the second portion adjacent to the first portion, the second portion and the first portion being co-sintered into a cohesive body, the first and second densities each being greater than zero.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions comprise lead zirconate titanate (PZT).
3. The article of claim 2 wherein the lead zirconate titanate (PZT) comprises approximately Pb 0.99 (Zr 0.95 Ti 0.05 ) 0.98 Nb 0.02 O 3 .
4. The article of claim 2 further comprising one or more electrodes disposed on one or more surfaces of the article.
5. The article of claim 4 wherein at least one electrode simultaneously contacts the first and second portions.
6. The article of claim 2 wherein the first density is less than the second density.
7. The article of claim 6 wherein the first density is approximately 7.5 g/cc and the second density is approximately 7.7 g/cc.
8. The article of claim 6 further comprising an energetic material, the energetic material operatively arranged to deliver a shockwave to the first portion.
9. The article of claim 2 wherein the first density is greater than the second density.
10. The article of claim 6 further comprising an energetic material, the energetic material operatively arranged to deliver a shockwave simultaneously to the first portion and the second portion.