Fabrication and Characterization of SiOC(N) Cellular Structures via 3D-Printed Polyurethane Templates Impregnated with Polysilazane

Silicon-based Polymer Derived Ceramics (PDCs) represent a unique class of materials synthesized at relatively low temperatures compared to conventional ceramics. Using the replica method, PDCs can be integrated with Additive Manufacturing (AM) via fused filament fabrication (FFF). However, the effect of printing parameters on PDCs’ structure, chemistry, and properties remains unclear. We investigate the fabrication of PDC scaffolds using thermoplastic polyurethane and different nozzle sizes, varying wall thickness. The resulting SiOC(N) structure is characterized using complementary techniques: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Mechanical properties are assessed by measuring Vickers hardness and flexural strength. A potential application of the SiOC(N) cellular structures as scaffolds for bone regeneration is evaluated by studying cell adhesion and metabolic activity. This work highlights how wall thickness impacts the impregnation and pyrolysis processes and affects properties such as hardness and biological behavior, including cell adhesion and metabolic activity.