3D printing of kaolinite clay ceramics using the Direct Ink Writing (DIW) technique

Abstract In this research, kaolinite clay from Colombia is employed as a raw material for the additive manufacturing of diverse samples using the Direct Ink Writing (DIW) technique in which a filament of the printing material is extruded from a nozzle. DIW is a simple and inexpensive technology suitable for adaption to large-scale production. Different samples fabricated from clays were manufactured with water to clay ratios (W/C) of between 0.65 and 0.69. Cylinders for compression tests were printed and tested after being cured for one day at room temperature and then exposed to 1100 °C for 1 h. Compression, thermal stability, density tests and Weibull analysis are presented. Scanning electron microscopy images showed no significant macro or micro defects after manufacturing, and x-ray diffraction and Rietveld quantitative analysis revealed different phases. Rheological behavior and several process parameters are also shown.