Vat photopolymerization 3D printing SiBCN ceramic metamaterials with strong electromagnetic wave absorption

Abstract

Starting from the simulation prediction, SiBCN polymer-derived-ceramic metamaterials, integrating both structure and function in a single component, were obtained using vat photopolymerization technology starting from a preceramic polymer. The low-density gyroid triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures used in this study increases the multiple reflection loss of electromagnetic wave (EMW) in the macro-interpenetrating channel structure, generates surface characteristics (stair-stepping effect) structure interface polarization, and improves microwave absorption characteristics. The possible multiple reflection effects of a gyroid structure on electromagnetic waves are discussed by Computer Simulation Technology simulation. At the same time, the precipitated phases in polymer derived ceramics (PDCs) were adjusted by controlling the pyrolysis temperature. The results show that the crystal phases (such as β-SiC and C) precipitated in the gyroid structure sample pyrolyzed at 1200°C enrich the heterogeneous interface polarization in the material. In addition, C forms a (semi-)conductive network, which increases the conductivity loss. The effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL<-10 dB) of the samples pyrolyzed at 1200°C was 3.09 GHz (thickness of 2.21 mm) and the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) was −70.6 dB (thickness of 2.31 mm), indicating that the samples have favorable EMW absorption properties and great potential for applications, providing a foundation for the preparation of high-performance lightweight structural ceramics.