Over-infiltration mechanisms in selective laser sintered Si/SiC preforms

B. Stevinson; D.L. Bourell; J.J. Beaman

doi:10.1108/13552540810878003

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Rapid Prototyping Journal

ISSN: 1355-2546

Online from: 1995

Subject Area: Mechanical & Materials Engineering

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Over-infiltration mechanisms in selective laser sintered Si/SiC preforms

Document Information:
Title:	Over-infiltration mechanisms in selective laser sintered Si/SiC preforms
Author(s):	B. Stevinson, (Mechanical Engineering Department, Advanced Manufacturing Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA), D.L. Bourell, (Mechanical Engineering Department, Advanced Manufacturing Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA), J.J. Beaman, (Mechanical Engineering Department, Advanced Manufacturing Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA)
Citation:	B. Stevinson, D.L. Bourell, J.J. Beaman, (2008) "Over-infiltration mechanisms in selective laser sintered Si/SiC preforms", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 14 Iss: 3, pp.149 - 154
Keywords:	Lasers, Prototypes, Silicon, Sintering
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/13552540810878003 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:	This research was funded by the National Science Foundation under grant award DMI-0522176.
Abstract:	Purpose – The paper aims to evaluate mechanisms for silicon overfilling including volume expansion of silicon on solidification for composite silicon/silicon carbide (SiC) objects generated using post-process infiltration of selective laser sintered (SLS) SiC preforms. Design/methodology/approach – Overfilling was characterized through geometrical means and microscopy, and results were used for further study and discussion of overfilling mechanisms. Findings – Silicon overfilling in silicon infiltrated SLS SiC parts is attributed primarily to its infiltrant silicon volume expansion on solidification. Si/SiC composites were found to be thermally stable with good material bonding. Research limitations/implications – Silicon as an infiltrant is unusual as it expands on solidification, whereas most infiltrants contract. Overfilling during infiltration of SLS porous performs is therefore not considered to be prevalent. Originality/value – This paper provides an examination of the value of silicon as an infiltrant material for SLS SiC preforms. Various mechanisms are presented for volume change during post-process infiltration of indirect SLS non-metallic performs.