Freeform 3D-printing of pure ceramics

Polymer derived ceramics (PDC's) offer a unique opportunity to 3D-print ceramics; however, 3D printing of such polymers require it to be combined with specialized light-sensitive agents and layer-by-layer crosslinking using an optical beam due to their low viscosity. Here, three-dimensional printing of ceramics enabled by dispensing the preceramic polymer from a nozzle inside a yield stress fluid is being demonstrated. The printed parts are crosslinked in the same gel. After crosslinking process, the printed parts are taken out of the gel and prepared for high temperature pyrolysis process that converts the cured parts to ceramic. The specially designed gel was three orders of magnitude more viscous than the preceramic polymer at no shear, which provided a stable medium during the whole process for maintaining the shape of the printed material and prevented possible instabilities. The SEM images of the cross section of the specimens showed that the printed material was dense and without any apparent porosity or cracks. Statistical analysis on the mechanical properties of the printed preceramic polymer specimens revealed that the printed specimens had characteristic strength (~257 MPa).