Development of SiC Nanocomposites Using Direct Ink Writing Process

Advanced ceramic composite materials have broad applications due to their exceptional properties. Silicon carbide (SiC) based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are particularly attractive due to their excellent thermal and mechanical properties at high temperatures, oxidation resistance, and chemical stability. Despite these advantages, fabricating high‐quality, complex‐shaped CMCs with traditional manufacturing processes remains significantly challenging. Direct Ink Writing (DIW), an additive manufacturing process, offers a promising solution for fabricating high‐quality, net‐shape CMC components. Herein, feedstock inks containing polycarbosilane and various concentrations of SiC nanoparticles (SiC np ) are investigated for fabricating CMC composites. Characterization results from physical measurement, microstructure analysis, and thermal and flexural testing suggested that high‐performance CMC samples with reduced shrinkage can be printed using the feedstock mixture with 75 wt% of SiC np , demonstrating that the DIW process can be used to rapidly manufacture high‐performance CMCs for demanding applications.