The preparation of SiC-based ceramics by one novel strategy combined 3D printing technology and liquid silicon infiltration process

SiC-based ceramics with periodic structure were successfully fabricated by extrusion freeforming 3D printing technology and liquid silicon infiltration process. The ceramic slurries containing SiC, carbon black, chopped carbon fiber were firstly prepared with the appropriate viscosity and rheological properties, then were formed by extrusion freeforming 3D printing technology and densified by liquid silicon infiltration sintering successively, to acquire SiC ceramic composites components. The microstructure and morphology of green parts and sintered bodies were observed. Chopped carbon fibers were found to be oriented distribution in SiC ceramic composites parts. The sintered bodies exhibited maximum flexural strength of 300 MPa and sintered linear shrinkage below 2%. The manufacturing method has demonstrated big potential to fabricate ceramic components with personalized complex structure.