The results for sintering of BaTi0.85Zr0.15O3 (BTZ15) thick films, deposited by electrophoresis, using as heat source a CO2 laser are presented. The characteristics of the experimental apparatus were optimized in such a way as to allow the sintering of thick films whose dimensions were up to 70 mm in length, 10 mm in width and variable thicknesses. The related thermal process during the continuous laser scanning acted in a similar way as a two-step sintering. The step times in each stage were dependent on the speed and scan number. The maximum temperature that can be achieved in the thick film, during each scanning, and for a fixed rated laser power, was correlated with the relative density. After sintering the films presented a microstructural homogeneity and an apparent porosity of ~7%.
laser sintering; barium titanate; thick film; electrophoretic deposition
