This anode cermet is a blend of nickel oxide and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) in tape form, designed to sinter to near full density as part of the composite structure used in SOFC and other fuel cells.  The purpose of this is to insure coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) match between adjacent electrolyte and porous anode layers in the composite assembly, and thus it is chemically compatible with these materials.  It is prepared by tape casting a slurry containing the YSZ powder, a thermoplastic binder and surfactant.  The slurry is cast on a polyester carrier film which is coated with a release agent.

LAMINATING:                                   21 MPa @ 70°C

GREEN TAPE THICKNESS:            15 ± 5 ..m

GREEN TAPE DENSITY:                  nominal 3.04 g/cm3, depending on solids loading

GREEN TAPE COLOR:                    dark green (typical)

TYPICAL SINTERING CYCLE:        0.7°C/minute ramp to 650°C
                                                           2.5°C/minute ramp to 1450 to 1550°C
                                                           2-hour soak at peak temperature to achieve full density

FIRED SHRINKAGE:                       
(3 layers using lamination parameters of 3 kpsi – 70°C – 20min nominal X, Y: 25%;    Z: 25%)

FIRED DENSITY:                              (1450°C for 120 minutes) > 90% of theoretical