Additive manufacturing and characterisation of ceramic insulators for FEBIAD ISOL ion sources

The FEBIAD-ISOL ion source is a complex assembly consisting of two main parts: the cathode and the anode. These parts must be maintained electrically insulated at very high temperatures (about 1500°C). The fabrication of the two electrodes via additive manufacturing is currently being investigated by the INFN facilities. This approach would allow for easier assembly and enhanced properties of the ion source. In this context, the insulating elements would require custom shapes that could also be obtained via additive manufacturing, provided that the resulting parts maintain adequate thermal and electric properties. In this thesis work, zirconia and alumina insulators compatible with the current ion source were produced by additive manufacturing (fused filament fabrication) using commercial feedstock. The printed components underwent debinding and sintering treatments. Their physicochemical properties, before and after treatment, were characterised using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, porosimetry, and micro-hardness testing. Additionally, their thermal stability and electrical resistivity at high temperatures were tested using a custom experimental setup designed specifically for this study.