Boron nitride-reinforced polysilazane-derived ceramic composites via direct-ink writing

In this study we investigate the use of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as a rheology modifier in polysilazane resin to enable direct-ink writing (DIW) of polysilazane-derived boron nitride-reinforced ceramic composites. hBN is shown to effectively modify the flow properties of the resin by imparting strong shear thinning and yield stress behavior, and to reduce the mass loss and shrinkage associated with the polymer-to-ceramic conversion process, when compared with unfilled polysilazane resin. DIW inks are formulated with 40 vol.% hBN and used print flexural specimens and complex structures with high resolution. Mechanical properties of the resulting polymer-derived ceramic composites were evaluated by 3-pt. flexure and Vickers microhardness. The printed composites exhibit flexural strength of 56.4 MPa and microhardness of 111.4 HV2.