Fabrication of SiC whisker-reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites based on 3D printing and chemical vapor infiltration technology

Spray drying, binder jetting and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) were used in combination for the first time to fabricate SiC whisker-reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (SiCw/SiC). Granulated needle-shaped SiCw was spray dried into SiCw spherical particles to increase flowability and thereby increase printability. Then, binder jetting was employed to print a novel SiCw preform with two-stage pores using the SiCw spherical particles. The subsequent CVI technology produced pure, dense, and continuous SiC matrix with high modulus and strength. Consequently, SiCw/SiC with appropriate mechanical properties was obtained. Finally, the challenges of the novel method and the ways to improve the mechanical properties of SiCw/SiC are discussed.