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

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 ...