The preparation of SiC ceramic photosensitive slurry for rapid stereolithography

Stereolithography is one of the most widely used additive manufacturing techniques for preparing high precision and complex ceramic components. Due to the high optical absorbance and refractive index of SiC powder, the rapid stereolithography of SiC ceramics components has become a key challenge. Here, we innovatively use graded silica to improve the curing thickness, rheological and settling performance of the slurry. And we presented a preparation method of SiC ceramic slurry for stereolithography with high solid content, low viscosity, low sedimentation rate and high curing thickness. The printable precision of the slurry is more than 75 μm, the dynamic viscosity is less than 2 Pa·s, and the 24 h sedimentation height is less than 5%. This strategy demonstrates a tantalizing possibility and promising prospect to rapid stereolithography of large size SiC ceramic green body.