Strength enhancement of laser 3D-printed SiC green bodies by epoxy resin and phenolic resin dual binders

Laser 3D printing technology offers significant benefits in fabricating silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics, largely due to its support-free structure and simplified construction process. However, the produced green parts exhibit considerable porosity and decreased strength, rendering them susceptible to damage during powder removal and subsequent processing stages. This vulnerability significantly hinders the practical applications of laser 3D-printed SiC ceramics. This study introduced the use of epoxy resin–phenolic resin dual binders in the laser 3D printing of SiC ceramics, with the aim of improving the integrity and performance of both the green and debinded parts, as well as the final SiC ceramics. The highest strength of the SiC green part, with a 5 vol% addition of epoxy resin, reached 6.82 ± 0.38 MPa, while the strength of the densified SiC ceramic was enhanced to 240 ± 5 MPa.