3D printing of hollow lattice structures of ZrO2(3Y)/Al2O3 ceramics by vat photopolymerization: Process optimization, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties

3D printing technology was introduced into the manufacturing of ceramic components. To obtain a new lightweight multifunctional structure with novel structure and excellent performance, and promote the deep combination of additive manufacturing and optimization design, ZrO 2 (3Y)/Al 2 O 3 hollow lattice structure ceramics with two kinds of high precision and different porosity were prepared by vat photopolymerization in this paper, and the process optimization, microstructure evolution , and performance were studied. The hollow lattice structure with good molding accuracy and porosity of 35 %–55 % was prepared by component design, optimization of slurry, degreasing, and sintering process , which effectively avoided the ceramic cracking and collapse caused by resin volatilization. When the Al 2 O 3 content was 6 wt%, dense ZrO 2 (3Y)/Al 2 O 3 ceramics with grain refinement, excellent microhardness , and fracture toughness were obtained. The relationship between lattice structure and compressive strength was analyzed by simulation and compressive test . The results show that the compressive strength of the two hollow lattice structures decreases with the increase of porosity. The maximum compressive strength of 35 %-face-centered cubic (FCC) hollow lattice structure is 326 MPa, which is significantly higher than that of body-centered cubic (BCC) structure (240 MPa) with the same porosity. The hollow lattice ceramic structure with good comprehensive performance and lightweight will lay a foundation for the application of industrial heat insulation , high temperature catalysis, and purification carrier in the future.