3D Printing Polymer Derived SiC/SiOC(N) Ceramic Matrix Composites from Replica of SiC/Polyurethane Cellular Structures

Cellular SiC/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) components were printed via fused filament fabrication and impregnated with a commercial polysilazane. The pyrolysis process in an inert atmosphere converts the structure into a ceramic-matrix composite through the polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) route. Eventually, cellular components constituted by an amorphous SiOC(N) matrix with a dispersed SiC phase were obtained. The structural evolution was investigated via infrared spectroscopy, while the microstructure was studied via scanning electron microscopy. Properties like Vickers hardness, skeletal density, and compressive strength have been measured. The results indicate that the process allows the preparation of cellular structures with composite ceramic struts and a homogeneously distributed particulate reinforcing phase. The process opens new opportunities for the 3D-printing of PDCs as the dispersed phase can tailor the pyrolysis shrinkage, improve the mechanical properties of the component, and, if properly tailored, introduce new functionalities.