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Additive manufacturing and characterization of complex Al 2 O 3 parts based on a novel stereolithography method
Author(s) -
An Di,
Li Hezhen,
Xie Zhipeng,
Zhu Tianbin,
Luo Xudong,
Shen Zhijian,
Ma Jing
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of applied ceramic technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.4
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1744-7402
pISSN - 1546-542X
DOI - 10.1111/ijac.12721
Subject(s) - materials science , stereolithography , sintering , microstructure , ceramic , slurry , characterization (materials science) , molding (decorative) , vickers hardness test , green body , composite material , relative density , particle size distribution , process (computing) , grain size , particle size , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , computer science , engineering , operating system
In this work, we prepared Al 2 O 3 ceramic green parts with complex geometry and architecture using an additive manufacturing process based on stereolithography. The rheological and thermal behavior of Al 2 O 3 slurry was firstly examined and used to establish the conditions for molding and debinding. As opposed to previous researches that only focused on manufacture techniques, the sintering behavior and densification process were systematically investigated. In addition, special attentions were paid to the evolution of microstructure between green bodies and sintered parts. The results showed that debound parts were equipped with uniform particle packing and narrow pore size distribution. The dimensions of the Al 2 O 3 parts changed anisotropically with the different processing steps. The densification process was greatly accelerated by the decrease in pore size and annihilating of interconnected pores in which significant grain growth was observed above 1450°C. The sintered part also had a homogeneous microstructure and no interface between adjacent layers. High densification (relative density of 99.1%) and much desirable Vickers hardness (17.9 GP a) of Al 2 O 3 parts were achieved at the sintering temperature of 1650°C.