Optimizing the Properties of Vat Photopolymerization 3d Printed Sic Ceramics by Multi-Infiltration

Abstract

Digital light processing technology (DLP) is a molding method that can effectively mold complex structural parts. The low solid content of the SiC stereolithography slurry makes the mechanical properties of the ceramic lower whether sintered by Reactive Melt Infiltration (RMI) or Precursor Infiltration and Pyrolysis (PIP). It is a challenge to improve the mechanical properties of DLP additive manufacturing SiC ceramics. Here, A novel method of RMI combined with infiltration is presented in this work. Filling of the pores of green body with pyrolytic C from phenolic resin (PR) or pyrolytic SiC from liquid hyperbranched Polycarbosilane (LHBPCS) by circular infiltration can effectively increase the content of SiC in the ceramics after reaction. The elastic modulus of RM-P2 and RM-L2 samples increased by 37.39% and 33.91%, respectively. This demonstrates a potential method for the preparation of ceramics with high SiC content by stereolithography additive manufacturing.

Keywords: stereolithography, 3D printing, infiltration, SiC ceramic composites