Influence of sintering temperature and CVI time on mechanical properties of 3D-printed alumina ceramics

Abstract Recently, complex-shaped ceramic components are being fabricated by using 3D printing and subsequent chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) processes. The results indicate that both sintering temperature and CVI time significantly influence mechanical properties of 3D-printed ceramic components. At the sintering temperature of 1500 °C due to high sintering temperature. As 3D-printed ceramic parts render low strength after sintering at 1500 °C, the subsequent CVI process is carried out to increase the flexural strength (2 times) by introducing SiC, and in turn, improving the density of ceramics. One should note that the CVI-induced SiC is deposited on the surface of Al2O3 grains, improving the strength of the ceramics. The proposed sintering mechanism consists of the deformation of grains and subsequent densification, leading to the deformation of ceramic components.