Three-dimensional printing of SiSiC lattice truss structures

Silicon/silicon carbide ceramic composites were fabricated by the three-dimensional printing (3DP™) from Si/SiC/dextrin powder blends. After printing the C/Si/SiC preforms were infiltrated with a liquid silicone resin for transient shape stabilization. The green bodies were pyrolyzed at 1000 °C in nitrogen atmosphere resulting in a residue with a porosity of ∼41%. The porous preforms exhibit excellent infiltration behavior for liquid Si at 1500 °C in vacuum. Bending strength, fracture toughness and Youngʹs modulus were analyzed with respect to Si volume fraction.