Utilization of handheld LIBS and XRF analyzers for impurity detection in 3D-printed ultra-high-temperature ceramics

Abstract

In this study, we implement handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers to detect elemental impurities in additively manufactured ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs). Spectral data were collected from digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printed alumina (Al2O3) samples at various processing stages. These stages included high-temperature debinding and sintering phases used to bake out organic impurities and improve grain cohesion of the ceramic. Spectral analysis revealed the presence of organic impurities such as H and C together, with inorganic impurities such as Na, Si, Ca, and Fe. A reduction in elemental impurities in the spectra was observed as the ceramic samples were processed, validating the effectiveness of handheld analyzers for in situ rapid impurity detection and quality control in the manufacturing of 3D-printed UHTCs.