3D printing of transparent YAG ceramics using copolymer-assisted slurry

Transparent YAG ceramics were successfully formed by 3D printing using a 2.33 wt% ISOBAM per mixed powder assisted aqueous slurry with 72 wt% solids-loading. The 3D printing process enabled the fabrication of complex-shaped transparent YAG ceramics and did not require the use of cold isostatic pressing (CIP), hot isostatic pressing (HIP), or additional tooling. The fabricated ceramics achieved an in-line transmittance of 70% in the visible wavelength range and relative density of 99.7%, which was similar to that achieved by CIP ceramic processing methods. 3D printing ceramics with an ISOBAM assisted slurry could simplify the fabrication process of transparent ceramics with complex shapes.