Additive manufacturing C_f/SiC composites with high fiber content by stereolithography combined with precursor infiltration and pyrolysis

A photocurable ceramic precursor slurry with a carbon fiber content of up to 25 vol% was prepared and carbon fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (C_f/SiC composites) were successfully fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) combined with precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP). The photocuring ability of the precursor composite slurry was investigated. The calculated result showed that the penetration depth of the slurry prepared with polycarbosilane (PCS) powder and chopped carbon fiber was 59.98 μm, which was suitable for stereolithography. In addition, the bulk density, porosity, flexural strength and micromorphology of the green body, debinding body and final C_f/SiC composites were analyzed in detail. After eight cycles of PIP, the bulk density and flexural strength of final C_f/SiC composites were 2.03 ± 0.04 g/cm³, 109.99 ± 15.05 MPa, respectively. This work provides a reference for additive manufacturing of C_f/SiC composites by stereolithography.