Get started
Work

Influence of sintering temperature on densification and grain growth of 3D printed alumina ceramics

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) ceramics are widely used in advanced engineering applications because they combine high mechanical strength, chemical stability, wear resistance, and thermal durability. In this study, Al 2 O 3 ceramics were fabricated by vat photopolymerization (VPP) using digital light processing (DLP), followed by thermal debinding and sintering. The influence of dispersant type and sintering temperature on slurry rheology, printability, densification, microstructural development, and mechanical properties was systematically studied. Three dispersants, CPIK 111, DPA-0111, and DSA-T111, were evaluated. The slurry prepared with 1 wt.% CPIK-111 showed the lowest viscosity (3056 mPa·s) and the best suspension stability, which enabled the production of defect-free green bodies with good dimensional integrity. The printed samples were sintered between 1400 and 1700°C. Increasing the sintering temperature enhanced densification and promoted grain growth. The highest relative density, approximately 95%, was obtained at 1600 °C. Scanning electron microscopy showed that samples sintered at this temperature had a dense and homogeneous microstructure with well-developed grain boundaries and limited residual porosity. The compressive strength increased from approximately 3.7 MPa at 1400 °C to 8.3 MPa at 1600 °C, while Young’s modulus increased from 21.366 to 40.485 MPa. These results indicate that the use of 1 wt.% CPIK-111 combined with sintering at 1600 °C provides the most effective balance between printability, densification, microstructural uniformity, and mechanical performance for Al2O3 ceramics produced by cost-effective DLP-based VPP.
DOI: 10.1016/j.rinma.2026.101067
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,530
OpenAlex ID: W7221096980
FWCI:
Cites: 25
Cited by:
Related to: