Material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing, while effective for many applications, faces challenges in fabricating arch shapes and suspended structures. This study advances MEX technology by drawing inspiration from ancient bridge construction techniques like the Zhaozhou Bridge, using an innovative embedded material extrusion (EMEX) method that eliminates the need for additional support structures in fabricating complex short carbon fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (Csf/SiC CMCs). Utilizing solid powders as a supporting medium, EMEX enables the creation of intricate arch shapes and suspension structures, overcoming limitations associated with conventional MEX. The impact of supporting media (SiC powders and sugar) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was demonstrated. Residual SiC powders caused uneven material distribution, while residual sugar led to cracking. The presence of residual powders also influenced the shrinkage behavior and bending strength of the Csf/SiC CMCs, with a notable decrease observed when transitioning from air to SiC powders and then to sugar as the printing environment. The successful fabrication of Csf/SiC CMCs with complex geometries using EMEX indicates its potential as a promising supportless strategy for producing sophisticated CMC structures.

Zhaozhou Bridge inspired embedded material extrusion 3D printing of Csf/SiC ceramic matrix composites

De Marzi A.;Colombo P.
2025

Abstract

Material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing, while effective for many applications, faces challenges in fabricating arch shapes and suspended structures. This study advances MEX technology by drawing inspiration from ancient bridge construction techniques like the Zhaozhou Bridge, using an innovative embedded material extrusion (EMEX) method that eliminates the need for additional support structures in fabricating complex short carbon fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (Csf/SiC CMCs). Utilizing solid powders as a supporting medium, EMEX enables the creation of intricate arch shapes and suspension structures, overcoming limitations associated with conventional MEX. The impact of supporting media (SiC powders and sugar) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was demonstrated. Residual SiC powders caused uneven material distribution, while residual sugar led to cracking. The presence of residual powders also influenced the shrinkage behavior and bending strength of the Csf/SiC CMCs, with a notable decrease observed when transitioning from air to SiC powders and then to sugar as the printing environment. The successful fabrication of Csf/SiC CMCs with complex geometries using EMEX indicates its potential as a promising supportless strategy for producing sophisticated CMC structures.
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3554400
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 1
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 0
  • OpenAlex ND
social impact