Quasi-static compressive fracture behavior of three-period minimum surface Al2O3 / Al composites fabricated by stereolithography

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted on the structures and preparation methods of ceramic/metal composites to achieve materials with superior strength and toughness. Among these, the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure stands out due to its remarkable advantages. In this study, we employed SLA additive manufacturing to fabricate a Gyroid-structured ceramic skeleton, and utilized metal infiltration to prepare interpenetrating Al2O3/Al composites. A comparison was made between the compressive properties of Al2O3/Al interpenetrating composites with Gyroid curved surface structure and those with honeycomb structure. The experimental outcomes indicate that compressive failure in both structural composites primarily occurs at the bond interface between the ceramic framework and the metal. These composites exhibit brittle fracture and experience shear failure. Furthermore, the compressive failure mechanism involves a mixed fracture composed of cleavage and micropore polymerization fractures. Gyroid curved structural composites exhibit lower local stress concentration due to their smooth and regular topology, rendering them with higher strength and ductility compared to honeycomb structural composites. The ultimate compressive strength of the Gyroid curved composite is 264 MPa, representing a 3.8-fold increase over the honeycomb structure.

Keywords

• 3D printing
• Tri-periodic minimal surface structure
• Al2O3/Al hybrid structural composites
• Quasi-static compression performance
• Abaqus