Vat-photopolymerization-based complex ceramic: Optimization of slurry, printing process, and postprocessing parameters

Vat photopolymerization is an effective and economical method for preparing ceramic specimens with complex structures. However, the improper selection of process parameters during the preparation process limits the scope of its application. In this study, the most suitable shear rate was determined based on the solid content and rheological properties of the ceramic slurry. In addition, the specific printing-process parameters were objectively selected, and the gray correlation method was used to determine the improved weight resolution coefficient through orthogonal experiments combined with the entropy weight method to select the most suitable printing parameters. Finally, the main debinding and sintering parameters that affect the heat treatment performance were considered, and multiple characterization methods were used to detect the specimens and study the impact of parameter changes on specimen performance. The experimental results show that when the laser power is 210 mW, the slice layer thickness is .04 mm, the scanning spacing is .05 mm, and the filling mode is XY, the green bodies have the best forming quality. When the sintering temperature is 1600 degrees C, and the holding time is 4 h, the specimens have the best mechanical properties (the flexural strength reaches 114 MPa).