Jules Mullens | Universiteit Hasselt (original) (raw)
Papers by Jules Mullens
Bulletin des Sociétés Chimiques Belges, 2010
Different association‐parameters of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols dissolved in CCl4 a... more Different association‐parameters of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols dissolved in CCl4 and C6H6 were compared with their values in cyclohexane. The parameters are the monomer‐fraction α1, the fraction of the open entities relatively to the formal number of molecules σαn, o, the average degree of association of one molecule σnw, the fraction of the number of all the real entities relatively to the formal number of molecules σαn and the mean association‐constants kM of a monomer to a given entity (monomer, dimer…).The experimental methods were the determination of the partition‐coefficients of the alcohols between the organic solvent and water and the infra‐red spectrometry. This study shows that the concurrence the solvents CCl4 and C6H5 oppose to the auto‐association of the alcohols is not the same for all the alcohols. These differences in solvent‐effects lead in some cases to an inversion in the sequence of the alcohols ordered after their association‐parameters in benzen...
Principles and Practice, 1998
Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the techniques that have become significantly important... more Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the techniques that have become significantly important during the past decade and have resulted in an indispensable addition to thermal analysis (TA). Examples of coupled thermogravimetry−mass spectrometry (TG−MS) and Fourier transform infrared (TG−FTIR) are given in the chapter. Also recent developments of temperature programmed reduction (TPR) are also elaborated on. Many laboratories do not possess the indispensable interfaces and coupling software, but they do possess the separate analytical techniques. With some creativeness, TA can be combined, in an off-line way, with many kinds of analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC), MS, FTIR, ion chromatography (IC), and potentiometry. For the identification of the gases evolved during combustion of polymers that contain a variety of additives, such as flame retardants, fillers, plasticizers, coloring matters, antioxidants complete information can be obtained only by the combination of several techniques. TG can be used for the determination of the degradation profile (mass loss as a function of time or temperature). The evolved gases can be investigated by the on-line coupling with FTIR or/and MS. After adsorption on a solid adsorbent and thermal desorption (TD), the gases can be identified by GC–MS.
Not sure of the Publishers copyright policy to archiving your journal articles online? Use these ... more Not sure of the Publishers copyright policy to archiving your journal articles online? Use these sites to find a summary of permissions that are normally given as part of each publisher's copyright transfer agreement. ... Proceedings of the 13th European Microscopy Congress: vol. 2. p. ...
Coal Science and Technology, 1995
A complete knowledge and understanding of the thermal reactivety of sulphur forms in coal is cruc... more A complete knowledge and understanding of the thermal reactivety of sulphur forms in coal is crucial for the development of new, efficient desulphurisation techniques. This contribution reports on seven selective desulphurization treatments of a Bulgarian lignite. The impact of individual treatments on the sulphur distribution was monitored by AP-TPR and XANES techniques. Complementary data concerning the physical impact of the
The Journal of Photographic Science, 1986
The physical-chemical interactions between sod ium polyst yrene su lphonate (PSS), gela tin and a... more The physical-chemical interactions between sod ium polyst yrene su lphonate (PSS), gela tin and a silver bromide sol are studied und er differe nt reaction co nditi o ns (pH , ionic strength , co ncen trati on of the reaction partners) by means of several experimenta l techniques: ac idimetry, viscosimetry, mi cro-electroph o resis, ca lorimetry and measurement of th e h ydrod ynamic adso rpti o n layer thi ck ness. The ge latin-PSS interact io n in soluti o n is mai nl y ruled by electrosta ti c a ttractio n between protonated ca ti o ni c sites of th e ge latin a nd th e sulph o na te gro ups of PSS. This interaction results in a hindrance or at least in a substantiall y reduction of the adsorption of gelatin o n a negatively charged si lver bromide surface. The mechanism is not based on a surface replacement of ge latin by PSS but on th e reaction in solution of PSS with ge la tin , competiti ve with th e adsorption of gelatin.
Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 2011
The properties of nanocomposites of biodegradable polycaprolactone containing zinc oxide (ZnO) na... more The properties of nanocomposites of biodegradable polycaprolactone containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with diverse morphologies, that is, ZnO nanospheres, nanorods, and nanodisks are investigated. It is demonstrated for the first time that the dual action of the ZnO nanoparticles reduces the gas permeability of the nanocomposites via two mechanisms: first by the creation of a tortuous path and second by gas adsorption. Depending on the morphology of the particles, the oxygen permeability can be reduced by more than 60%. Tensile tests show that the nanocomposites remain very ductile. The nominal strain for all nanocomposites is higher than 500% before fracture occurs. The Young's modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites increase at higher ZnO concentrations. This behavior is more pronounced in the case of ZnO nanorods. As a result, the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into (bio)polymers provides an opportunity to manufacture polymer‐based nanocomposite material...
In this study a calculation method is presented for the determination of the pKA values of weak a... more In this study a calculation method is presented for the determination of the pKA values of weak acids contaminated with minor impurities with acid or basic properties. The method is demonstrated by the determination of the pKA values of some aliphatic monoamines in 1 N KNO3 at 25°C.
The use of selective functional group modification procedures has been investigated for the deter... more The use of selective functional group modification procedures has been investigated for the determination sulfur form in low-rank coals. A Bulgarian lignite from the Maritza Iztok Basin was submitted to a variety of chemical treatments. The fresh lignite and re idues were studied by atmospheric pressure temperature-programmed reduction (P-TPR) and sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XA ES) analy is to investigate the di tribution of sulfur forms. The impact on the physical characteri tics of the lignite following each treatment was studied by thermal analysis (d.t.a.) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). The result have demonstrated the ability of selective procedures to simplify sulfur functionality determination by AP-TPR and have provided a clear insight into the impact of treatments on the thermal characteristics of the lignite. Copyright (1996 Elsel'ier Science LuI. (Key~ords: sulfur forms; lo~-rank coals; temperature-programmed reduction) Demand for ...
Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings
ABSTRACT In order to explore the wide range of applications of nanomaterials, simple and straight... more ABSTRACT In order to explore the wide range of applications of nanomaterials, simple and straightforward methods are required for the controlled preparation of nanoscale building blocks like nanoparticles. In this study the controlled double-jet precipitation method is investigated. ZnO nanoparticles are prepared in aqueous medium from ZnCl2 and NaOH at a relatively low temperature of 70 °C. The agglomeration degree of the particles is correlated with process parameters. Based on this information, the experimental set-up is optimized to reduce agglomeration as much as possible. The products are characterized by XRD, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and SLS (static laser scattering).
Materials Science and Engineering: B, 2005
This paper reports on the spin deposition of LSCO thin films on a SiO 2 /Si substrate by a new aq... more This paper reports on the spin deposition of LSCO thin films on a SiO 2 /Si substrate by a new aqueous solutiongel route. Stable and monometallic precursor solutions are prepared from common and inexpensive oxides or hydroxides. The aqueous La 3+ precursor is ...
Realistic estimates of standard deviations of the f ormation constants of metal ion complexes cal... more Realistic estimates of standard deviations of the f ormation constants of metal ion complexes calculated from potentiometric titrations can be qu antified by a Monte Carlo-based technique from estimates of the experimental errors in titration parameters. This Monte Carlo analysis has also potential implications for model selection. A Matlab ® programme is presented to quantify the statistical uncertainty on the optimized stability constants in complex models. The programme consists of a data generation part and a refinement part. The refinement algorithm uses th e nonlinear least squares method to minimize the sum of weighted squared differences between the experimental and calculated electrode potentials. It is demonstrated from an an alysis of simulated and experimental data of Ag(I)-diamine complex equilibria in certain case s the risk of accepting a false model is real! Residual plots show that the �2 test is the least convincing and most controversia l criterion for model selec...
Thermochimica Acta, 1996
... 7) shows a large endothermic peak between 260 and 310c'C due to the decomposition of oxa... more ... 7) shows a large endothermic peak between 260 and 310c'C due to the decomposition of oxalic acid from the anhydrous acid oxalate. Dollimore and Griffiths [17] studied the thermaldecomposition of oxalic acid by DTA, resulting in an overlapping series of endothermic ...
Thermochimica Acta, 1992
... achieved by the introduction of isothermal steps in the temperature programme [3]. This allow... more ... achieved by the introduction of isothermal steps in the temperature programme [3]. This allows the succes-sive collection of material in different solvents or on different adsorbents for the off-line combination of ... 2 B. Majchrowicz, J. Yperman, J. Mullens and LC Van Poucke, Anal. ...
Talanta, 1984
By means of potentiometric pH and pAg measurements, the stability constants and the stoichiometri... more By means of potentiometric pH and pAg measurements, the stability constants and the stoichiometric composition of the silver(I) complexes of some N-methyl-substituted 4-Hdiethylenetriamines, in aqueous medium of ionic strength 1.3 and at a temperature of 25.00", have been determined. In addition to mononuclear and polynuclear complexes, together with their protonated forms, some hydroxo complexes are formed. The values of the stability constants are discussed in terms of
International Journal of Inorganic Materials, 1999
Sol-gel synthesis and properties of YBa (Cu M) O (M5Co, Ni) 2 12x x 4 y q and effects of addition... more Sol-gel synthesis and properties of YBa (Cu M) O (M5Co, Ni) 2 12x x 4 y q and effects of additional replacement of yttrium by calcium a , b a a a c
International Journal of Inorganic Materials, 1999
A Y-123 precursor has been obtained using the hydroxide co-precipitation method. The influences o... more A Y-123 precursor has been obtained using the hydroxide co-precipitation method. The influences of the calcination time and temperature (with and without sintering and annealing) on the formation of the superconducting phase, YBa Cu O , are examined using 2 3 7 2d XRD and T measurements. A comparison between the co-precipitated hydroxide precursor and the conventional dry precursor, obtained c by mixing oxides and carbonates, is made. It shows that thermal treatment of the hydroxide precursor at 7508C already gives a superconductor, while the oxide-carbonate precursor is only superconducting after thermal treatment at 8508C.
physica status solidi (a), 2010
... The authors acknowledge support from IWT Flanders (SBO-METACEL project). A. Hardy andMK Van B... more ... The authors acknowledge support from IWT Flanders (SBO-METACEL project). A. Hardy andMK Van Bael are post-doctoral research fellows and C. De Dobbelaere is a research assistant of the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). ... 1 NR Shiju and VV Guliants, Appl. Catal. ...
Physica C: Superconductivity, 1998
In order to study the influence of strontium substitution on YBa2Cu4O8, two series of samples wit... more In order to study the influence of strontium substitution on YBa2Cu4O8, two series of samples with composition Y:Sr:Ba:Cu = 1 - x:x:2:4 and Y:Ba:Sr:Cu = 1:2 - 2x:2x:4 (x = 0.0-1.0) were synthesized by a simple aqueous sol-gel method at 1 atmosphere oxygen pressure. Effects of ...
Journal of thermal analysis, 1997
The oxidative degradation of HET-acid (1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachlorobicyclo [2.2.1] hept-5-en-2,3-diearb... more The oxidative degradation of HET-acid (1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachlorobicyclo [2.2.1] hept-5-en-2,3-diearboxylic acid) is studied by the combination of TG, FTIR, MS and GC-MS. The gases evolved during the decomposition of this flame retardant are investigated on-line by FTIR and by MS. Simultaneously the evolved gases are collected by an adsorbent and, after the thermal experiment, desorbed to release the volatile products for identification using GC-MS. The combination of these techniques offers the unambiguous identification of the evolved products as a function of temperature. The main identified products are CO 2, H20, C12, I-ICI, C2C14, maleic acid anhydride, HET-acid anhydride, chlorinated cyclic hydrocarbons and chlorinated unsaturated linear hydrocarbons.
Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2004
ABSTRACT A highly concentrated solution for producing photopatternable layers of lead zirconate t... more ABSTRACT A highly concentrated solution for producing photopatternable layers of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) was prepared by dissolving into acrylic acid an amorphous PZT powder which was obtained by a sol-gel process. The solution was found to be suitable for spin-coating PZT layers that are photosensitive to UV radiation. After deposition and subsequent exposure the PZT film showed a decreased solubility in several organic compounds. These properties were exploited to create features on platinised silicon (Si) substrates. A thermogravimetric analysis was performed on the solution to determine the best thermal profile for the burn out of the organics. PZT features up to 2 mum thick were obtained after the firing process. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bulletin des Sociétés Chimiques Belges, 2010
Different association‐parameters of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols dissolved in CCl4 a... more Different association‐parameters of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols dissolved in CCl4 and C6H6 were compared with their values in cyclohexane. The parameters are the monomer‐fraction α1, the fraction of the open entities relatively to the formal number of molecules σαn, o, the average degree of association of one molecule σnw, the fraction of the number of all the real entities relatively to the formal number of molecules σαn and the mean association‐constants kM of a monomer to a given entity (monomer, dimer…).The experimental methods were the determination of the partition‐coefficients of the alcohols between the organic solvent and water and the infra‐red spectrometry. This study shows that the concurrence the solvents CCl4 and C6H5 oppose to the auto‐association of the alcohols is not the same for all the alcohols. These differences in solvent‐effects lead in some cases to an inversion in the sequence of the alcohols ordered after their association‐parameters in benzen...
Principles and Practice, 1998
Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the techniques that have become significantly important... more Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the techniques that have become significantly important during the past decade and have resulted in an indispensable addition to thermal analysis (TA). Examples of coupled thermogravimetry−mass spectrometry (TG−MS) and Fourier transform infrared (TG−FTIR) are given in the chapter. Also recent developments of temperature programmed reduction (TPR) are also elaborated on. Many laboratories do not possess the indispensable interfaces and coupling software, but they do possess the separate analytical techniques. With some creativeness, TA can be combined, in an off-line way, with many kinds of analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC), MS, FTIR, ion chromatography (IC), and potentiometry. For the identification of the gases evolved during combustion of polymers that contain a variety of additives, such as flame retardants, fillers, plasticizers, coloring matters, antioxidants complete information can be obtained only by the combination of several techniques. TG can be used for the determination of the degradation profile (mass loss as a function of time or temperature). The evolved gases can be investigated by the on-line coupling with FTIR or/and MS. After adsorption on a solid adsorbent and thermal desorption (TD), the gases can be identified by GC–MS.
Not sure of the Publishers copyright policy to archiving your journal articles online? Use these ... more Not sure of the Publishers copyright policy to archiving your journal articles online? Use these sites to find a summary of permissions that are normally given as part of each publisher's copyright transfer agreement. ... Proceedings of the 13th European Microscopy Congress: vol. 2. p. ...
Coal Science and Technology, 1995
A complete knowledge and understanding of the thermal reactivety of sulphur forms in coal is cruc... more A complete knowledge and understanding of the thermal reactivety of sulphur forms in coal is crucial for the development of new, efficient desulphurisation techniques. This contribution reports on seven selective desulphurization treatments of a Bulgarian lignite. The impact of individual treatments on the sulphur distribution was monitored by AP-TPR and XANES techniques. Complementary data concerning the physical impact of the
The Journal of Photographic Science, 1986
The physical-chemical interactions between sod ium polyst yrene su lphonate (PSS), gela tin and a... more The physical-chemical interactions between sod ium polyst yrene su lphonate (PSS), gela tin and a silver bromide sol are studied und er differe nt reaction co nditi o ns (pH , ionic strength , co ncen trati on of the reaction partners) by means of several experimenta l techniques: ac idimetry, viscosimetry, mi cro-electroph o resis, ca lorimetry and measurement of th e h ydrod ynamic adso rpti o n layer thi ck ness. The ge latin-PSS interact io n in soluti o n is mai nl y ruled by electrosta ti c a ttractio n between protonated ca ti o ni c sites of th e ge latin a nd th e sulph o na te gro ups of PSS. This interaction results in a hindrance or at least in a substantiall y reduction of the adsorption of gelatin o n a negatively charged si lver bromide surface. The mechanism is not based on a surface replacement of ge latin by PSS but on th e reaction in solution of PSS with ge la tin , competiti ve with th e adsorption of gelatin.
Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 2011
The properties of nanocomposites of biodegradable polycaprolactone containing zinc oxide (ZnO) na... more The properties of nanocomposites of biodegradable polycaprolactone containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with diverse morphologies, that is, ZnO nanospheres, nanorods, and nanodisks are investigated. It is demonstrated for the first time that the dual action of the ZnO nanoparticles reduces the gas permeability of the nanocomposites via two mechanisms: first by the creation of a tortuous path and second by gas adsorption. Depending on the morphology of the particles, the oxygen permeability can be reduced by more than 60%. Tensile tests show that the nanocomposites remain very ductile. The nominal strain for all nanocomposites is higher than 500% before fracture occurs. The Young's modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites increase at higher ZnO concentrations. This behavior is more pronounced in the case of ZnO nanorods. As a result, the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into (bio)polymers provides an opportunity to manufacture polymer‐based nanocomposite material...
In this study a calculation method is presented for the determination of the pKA values of weak a... more In this study a calculation method is presented for the determination of the pKA values of weak acids contaminated with minor impurities with acid or basic properties. The method is demonstrated by the determination of the pKA values of some aliphatic monoamines in 1 N KNO3 at 25°C.
The use of selective functional group modification procedures has been investigated for the deter... more The use of selective functional group modification procedures has been investigated for the determination sulfur form in low-rank coals. A Bulgarian lignite from the Maritza Iztok Basin was submitted to a variety of chemical treatments. The fresh lignite and re idues were studied by atmospheric pressure temperature-programmed reduction (P-TPR) and sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XA ES) analy is to investigate the di tribution of sulfur forms. The impact on the physical characteri tics of the lignite following each treatment was studied by thermal analysis (d.t.a.) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). The result have demonstrated the ability of selective procedures to simplify sulfur functionality determination by AP-TPR and have provided a clear insight into the impact of treatments on the thermal characteristics of the lignite. Copyright (1996 Elsel'ier Science LuI. (Key~ords: sulfur forms; lo~-rank coals; temperature-programmed reduction) Demand for ...
Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings
ABSTRACT In order to explore the wide range of applications of nanomaterials, simple and straight... more ABSTRACT In order to explore the wide range of applications of nanomaterials, simple and straightforward methods are required for the controlled preparation of nanoscale building blocks like nanoparticles. In this study the controlled double-jet precipitation method is investigated. ZnO nanoparticles are prepared in aqueous medium from ZnCl2 and NaOH at a relatively low temperature of 70 °C. The agglomeration degree of the particles is correlated with process parameters. Based on this information, the experimental set-up is optimized to reduce agglomeration as much as possible. The products are characterized by XRD, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and SLS (static laser scattering).
Materials Science and Engineering: B, 2005
This paper reports on the spin deposition of LSCO thin films on a SiO 2 /Si substrate by a new aq... more This paper reports on the spin deposition of LSCO thin films on a SiO 2 /Si substrate by a new aqueous solutiongel route. Stable and monometallic precursor solutions are prepared from common and inexpensive oxides or hydroxides. The aqueous La 3+ precursor is ...
Realistic estimates of standard deviations of the f ormation constants of metal ion complexes cal... more Realistic estimates of standard deviations of the f ormation constants of metal ion complexes calculated from potentiometric titrations can be qu antified by a Monte Carlo-based technique from estimates of the experimental errors in titration parameters. This Monte Carlo analysis has also potential implications for model selection. A Matlab ® programme is presented to quantify the statistical uncertainty on the optimized stability constants in complex models. The programme consists of a data generation part and a refinement part. The refinement algorithm uses th e nonlinear least squares method to minimize the sum of weighted squared differences between the experimental and calculated electrode potentials. It is demonstrated from an an alysis of simulated and experimental data of Ag(I)-diamine complex equilibria in certain case s the risk of accepting a false model is real! Residual plots show that the �2 test is the least convincing and most controversia l criterion for model selec...
Thermochimica Acta, 1996
... 7) shows a large endothermic peak between 260 and 310c'C due to the decomposition of oxa... more ... 7) shows a large endothermic peak between 260 and 310c'C due to the decomposition of oxalic acid from the anhydrous acid oxalate. Dollimore and Griffiths [17] studied the thermaldecomposition of oxalic acid by DTA, resulting in an overlapping series of endothermic ...
Thermochimica Acta, 1992
... achieved by the introduction of isothermal steps in the temperature programme [3]. This allow... more ... achieved by the introduction of isothermal steps in the temperature programme [3]. This allows the succes-sive collection of material in different solvents or on different adsorbents for the off-line combination of ... 2 B. Majchrowicz, J. Yperman, J. Mullens and LC Van Poucke, Anal. ...
Talanta, 1984
By means of potentiometric pH and pAg measurements, the stability constants and the stoichiometri... more By means of potentiometric pH and pAg measurements, the stability constants and the stoichiometric composition of the silver(I) complexes of some N-methyl-substituted 4-Hdiethylenetriamines, in aqueous medium of ionic strength 1.3 and at a temperature of 25.00", have been determined. In addition to mononuclear and polynuclear complexes, together with their protonated forms, some hydroxo complexes are formed. The values of the stability constants are discussed in terms of
International Journal of Inorganic Materials, 1999
Sol-gel synthesis and properties of YBa (Cu M) O (M5Co, Ni) 2 12x x 4 y q and effects of addition... more Sol-gel synthesis and properties of YBa (Cu M) O (M5Co, Ni) 2 12x x 4 y q and effects of additional replacement of yttrium by calcium a , b a a a c
International Journal of Inorganic Materials, 1999
A Y-123 precursor has been obtained using the hydroxide co-precipitation method. The influences o... more A Y-123 precursor has been obtained using the hydroxide co-precipitation method. The influences of the calcination time and temperature (with and without sintering and annealing) on the formation of the superconducting phase, YBa Cu O , are examined using 2 3 7 2d XRD and T measurements. A comparison between the co-precipitated hydroxide precursor and the conventional dry precursor, obtained c by mixing oxides and carbonates, is made. It shows that thermal treatment of the hydroxide precursor at 7508C already gives a superconductor, while the oxide-carbonate precursor is only superconducting after thermal treatment at 8508C.
physica status solidi (a), 2010
... The authors acknowledge support from IWT Flanders (SBO-METACEL project). A. Hardy andMK Van B... more ... The authors acknowledge support from IWT Flanders (SBO-METACEL project). A. Hardy andMK Van Bael are post-doctoral research fellows and C. De Dobbelaere is a research assistant of the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). ... 1 NR Shiju and VV Guliants, Appl. Catal. ...
Physica C: Superconductivity, 1998
In order to study the influence of strontium substitution on YBa2Cu4O8, two series of samples wit... more In order to study the influence of strontium substitution on YBa2Cu4O8, two series of samples with composition Y:Sr:Ba:Cu = 1 - x:x:2:4 and Y:Ba:Sr:Cu = 1:2 - 2x:2x:4 (x = 0.0-1.0) were synthesized by a simple aqueous sol-gel method at 1 atmosphere oxygen pressure. Effects of ...
Journal of thermal analysis, 1997
The oxidative degradation of HET-acid (1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachlorobicyclo [2.2.1] hept-5-en-2,3-diearb... more The oxidative degradation of HET-acid (1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachlorobicyclo [2.2.1] hept-5-en-2,3-diearboxylic acid) is studied by the combination of TG, FTIR, MS and GC-MS. The gases evolved during the decomposition of this flame retardant are investigated on-line by FTIR and by MS. Simultaneously the evolved gases are collected by an adsorbent and, after the thermal experiment, desorbed to release the volatile products for identification using GC-MS. The combination of these techniques offers the unambiguous identification of the evolved products as a function of temperature. The main identified products are CO 2, H20, C12, I-ICI, C2C14, maleic acid anhydride, HET-acid anhydride, chlorinated cyclic hydrocarbons and chlorinated unsaturated linear hydrocarbons.
Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2004
ABSTRACT A highly concentrated solution for producing photopatternable layers of lead zirconate t... more ABSTRACT A highly concentrated solution for producing photopatternable layers of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) was prepared by dissolving into acrylic acid an amorphous PZT powder which was obtained by a sol-gel process. The solution was found to be suitable for spin-coating PZT layers that are photosensitive to UV radiation. After deposition and subsequent exposure the PZT film showed a decreased solubility in several organic compounds. These properties were exploited to create features on platinised silicon (Si) substrates. A thermogravimetric analysis was performed on the solution to determine the best thermal profile for the burn out of the organics. PZT features up to 2 mum thick were obtained after the firing process. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.