journal article·2026-10Open access

Assessing the feasibility of camphor-assisted Vat Photopolymerization of alumina for ultra-rapid debinding and sintering

Subhadip Bhandari, Alice Nicolini, Paolo Colombo, Vincenzo M. Sglavo, Mattia Biesuz, Giorgia Franchin

Abstract

Vat Photopolymerization (VPP) enables the fabrication of complex ceramic components with a high resolution between 10 and 200 µm. However, the process is limited by slow thermal debinding and sintering. In this study, a new photosensitive alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) resin was developed using camphor as a diluent to reduce viscosity, enabling successful printing at a high ceramic loading of 56 vol%. A comprehensive feedstock optimization strategy was implemented with a particular focus on rheological behaviour. Two geometries, a thin bowl (0.42 mm thick) and a cylinder (1.2 mm thick), were fabricated to investigate the influence of thickness on ultra-fast high-temperature sintering (UHS). Thin samples were debinded and sintered using a step-wise UHS profile, whereas thicker cylindrical parts required a separate debinding stage. Under optimized thermal conditions, both geometries achieved relative densities up to 97% without observable defects, demonstrating UHS as a rapid and energy-efficient alternative to conventional ceramic sintering.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies · Advanced ceramic materials synthesis · Injection Molding Process and Properties

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

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