Preparation of porous SiC ceramics skeleton with low-cost and controllable gradient based on liquid crystal display 3D printing

In recent years, the demand for gradient porous ceramics is increasing in engineering field. By traditional process, the disadvantage of prepared gradient porous ceramics is its low porosity and uncontrollable pore gradient, which limits the wide application of gradient porous ceramics. In this study, the gradient porous ceramic skeleton (GPCS) was prepared by combining liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printer with liquid silicon infiltration (LSI). Experimental results showed that the mass of ceramic powder in the ceramic slurry with optimal printing performance accounts for 45% of the mass of photosensitive resin, and the thermal decomposition rate of photosensitive resin is faster in the range of 300–450 °C. Furthermore, the effect of LSI temperature on the composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of GPCS was investigated. The GPCS is expected to be applied in the fields of energy storage, heat transfer and biofouling, among others.