Processing, microstructure and thermoluminescence response of biomorphic yttrium oxide ceramics

The present work reports a fast-direct bio-prototyping process using Luffa Cylindrica vegetable sponge to produce biomorphic yttrium oxide ceramics with reticulated-porous architecture and thermoluminescence response. Processing parameters as rheology of yttrium oxide suspensions, bio-template surface treatment and thermal decomposition of bio-template were investigated. Shear thinning suspensions of 30 vol% yttrium oxide with apparent viscosity of 243mPa.s provided a successful impregnation of samples, whereby bio-templates with smooth ceramic layer and hierarchical reticulated architecture were formed. By thermal treatment at 1600 degrees C for 2 h biomorphic yttrium oxide ceramics with porous microstructure and TL response at 150 degrees C and lambda=550 nm were produced. The proposed fast direct bio-prototyping process is suitable for the production of ceramic components with complex shape and demonstrates potential for general applicability to any bio-template. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved. (AU)