Three-dimensional printing of SiCN ceramic matrix composites from preceramic polysilazane by digital light processing

Abstract Manufacturing complexity and poor machinability hinder the preparation of complex-shaped ceramic composites. Three-dimensional printing can overcome this difficulty. Herein, we report a type of photocurable preceramic resin containing SiO2 nanoparticles (up to 20 wt% of polymer), which do not affect the photocurability of the preceramic resin, and a small amount of SiC nanofibres (1 wt%). We successfully printed precise green bodies with a complex shape by digital light processing and converted them into ceramic composites via pyrolysis at 1300 °C under a N2 atmosphere. The introduction of SiO2 and SiC into the ceramic composites led to reduced weight loss of the composites during pyrolysis and a decrease in their porosity and enhancement in their mechanical properties after pyrolysis. The properties of the printed samples pyrolysed at different ramping rates were compared, and the effects of the microstructure on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated.