Synthesis and Characterization of Silica Composite for Digital Light Processing

Abstract

Three-dimensional(3D) printing is a process for producing complex-shaped 3D objects by repeatedly stacking thin layers according to digital information designed in 3D structures. 3D printing can be classified based on the method and material of additive manufacturing process. Among the various 3D printing methods, digital light processing is an additive manufacturing technique which can fabricate complex 3D structures with high accuracy. Recently, there have been many efforts to use ceramic material for an additive manufacturing process. Generally, ceramic material shows low processability due to its high hardness and strength. The introduction of additive manufacturing techniques into the fabrication of ceramics will improve the low processability and enable the fabrication of complex shapes and parts. In this study, we synthesize silica composite material that can be applied to digital light processing. The rheological and photopolymeric properties of the synthesized silica composite are investigated in detail. 3D objects are also successfully produced using the silica composite and digital light processing.