'The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology'
Abstract
Three-dimensional reaction bonded silicon carbide (SiSiC or RBSC) parts have been
produced by direct selective laser sintering (SLS). Unlike previously investigated processing
routes, which make use of a sacrificial polymer binder to form green parts, the parts in this work
are built by scanning subsequent layers composed of a mixture of silicon and silicon carbide
powders. A fibre laser is used to selectively melt the silicon under an inert argon atmosphere,
resulting in porous preforms of sufficient strength for further handling and processing. After
impregnation with a graphite suspension and infiltration with liquid Si at 1450°C, highly dense
reaction bonded silicon carbide parts are obtained.Mechanical Engineerin