Strengthening SiC\nCeramic Structural Integrity Made\nvia 3D Printing with Pyrolysis and Precursor Infiltration

3D printing, particularly direct ink writing (DIW), offers\na different\napproach to crafting intricate ceramic structures. Here, 3D printing\ntechnology (direct ink writing (DIW)) based on extrusion has been\nutilized to fabricate SiC ceramic structures. The particle size, binder\ncomposition, and printing conditions were optimized to fabricate high-strength\ngreen structures. The mechanical properties of the 3D-printed SiC\ngreen structure were infiltrated with the liquid precursor, which\nfilled the porous part of the structure. The composite is fired at\na higher temperature, which results in the formation of SiC from the\nliquid precursor, demonstrating improved surface morphology, strength,\ndensity, and thermal properties of the printed structures. The 3D-printed\nSiC composite structures show an increase in mechanical strength up\nto 600% stronger as compared to the pristine SiC structures. Furthermore,\nthe infiltrated, sintered composite demonstrates superior thermal\nproperties, notably improved heat dissipation, in contrast to noninfiltrated\nsamples, rendering it well-suited for high-temperature applications.\nThis method presents a promising avenue for manufacturing advanced\nSiC components with superior properties.