Improved mechanical properties of silica ceramic cores prepared by 3D printing and sintering processes

In this study, silica ceramic cores were fabricated by stereolithography based-3D printing with improved mechanical properties. To this end, the green bodies were first 3D-printed in different directions, and then debinded samples were sintered at different temperatures. The flexural strengths of the ceramics reached a maximum value of 12.1 MPa at a sintering temperature of 1300 degrees C due to the enhanced alpha-cristobalite content responsible for the flexural strength at room temperature. Meanwhile, the flexural strengths of ceramics printed by mode 1 (printing performed parallel to the height direction) were much greater than those printed by mode 2 (printing performed perpendicular to the height direction). The anisotropy flexural strength was caused by the weak binding force between layers. Sintered ceramics composed of alpha-cristobalite, beta-cristobalite, and quartz. In sum, the control over the 3D printing parameters and adjustment of the sintering process would result in ceramics with isotropic mechanical properties. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study fabricated silica ceramic cores with improved mechanical properties using stereolithography based-3D printing. By controlling the printing direction and sintering temperature, the flexural strength was optimized, emphasizing the importance of controlling 3D printing parameters and sintering process.