FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a method for determining an amount of sediment in a ceramic dispersion. More specifically, the dispersion includes metal particles to allow for visualization.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Additive fabrication processes for producing three dimensional objects are well known. Additive fabrication processes utilize computer-aided design (CAD) data of an object to build three-dimensional parts. These three-dimensional parts may be formed from liquid resins, powders, or other materials.

[0003] In stereolithography (SL), CAD data of an object is transformed into thin cross- sections of a three-dimensional object. The data is loaded into a computer which controls a laser that traces a pattern of a cross section through a liquid radiation curable resin composition in a vat, solidifying a thin layer of the resin composition corresponding to the cross section. The solidified layer is recoated with the resin composition and the laser traces another cross section to harden another layer of the resin composition on top of the previous layer. The process is repeated layer by layer until the three-dimensional object is completed. When initially formed, the three-dimensional object is, in general, not fully cured, and is called a "green model." This process is also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing.

[0004] There are several types of lasers used in stereolithography, traditionally ranging from 193 nm to 355 run in wavelength, although other wavelength variants exist. The use of gas lasers to cure liquid radiation curable resin compositions is well known. The delivery of laser energy in a stereolithography system can be Continuous Wave (CW) or Q-switched pulses. CW lasers provide continuous laser energy and can be used in a high speed scanning process. However, their output power is limited which reduces the amount of curing that occurs during object creation. Other methods of additive fabrication utilize lamps or light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are semiconductor devices which utilize the phenomenon of electroluminescence to generate light. At present, LED UV light sources currently emit light at wavelengths between 300 and 475 nm, with 365 nm, 390 nm, 395 nm, 405 nm, and 415 nm being common peak spectral outputs. [0005] Many additive fabrication applications require the green model to possess high mechanical strength (e.g. modulus of elasticity, fracture strength, etc.). This property, often referred to as "green strength," is typically determined by the liquid radiation curable resin composition. Some compositions include silica, e.g. to increase the heat deflection temperature and modulus or to make ceramic parts. However, such compositions tend to have (1) a high initial viscosity, (2) a poor viscosity stability, (3) a tendency to phase separate, resulting in phenomena known as either "soft pack" or "hard pack," and (4) high cure shrinkage resulting in distortion of the printed part.

[0006] As the amount of silica is increased in such a composition, the viscosity of the composition increases, resulting in decreased workability and processing speed. At the same time, the composition must have sufficient viscosity stability over time. Viscosity should not significantly increase over time or additional processing problems can result.

[0007] Furthermore, such compositions tend to phase separate over time when stored. For example, the silica may collect in the bottom of a storage container resulting in a phase separated composition. The top part of the composition may be a low -viscosity, largely unfilled portion, i.e., a portion that does not include sufficient loadings of the silica. The bottom part may be supersaturated with silica and high-viscosity. The composition in the top portion cannot be used to produce green models with sufficient strength and stiffness and any resulting part will suffer high shrinkage and cracking during binder burnout and sintering due to the depletion of silica. The composition in the bottom part cannot be used because it is too viscous and has a concentration of silica that makes the final part unusable. Therefore, entire containers can become unusable or, at a minimum, must undergo further expensive and time consuming processing to be able to be used.

[0008] In one scenario, the silica settles at the bottom of the storage container and forms a soft pack. The settled silica may be surrounded by partially polymerized resin, resulting in a wax-like consistency. Although re-assimilation into a useable composition is possible, such a process requires frequent and often vigorous recirculation. This is a time- and energy- consuming maintenance process, and still does not obviate the composition's problematic viscosity.

[0009] In another scenario, the silica settles at the bottom of the storage container and forms a hard pack. In such a scenario, the silica forms very hard, rock-like structures. Such structures must be broken up by a drill or similar apparatus before re-assimilation is possible. Again, this is very time and energy intensive. [0010] Many compositions must be tested in order to achieve stable dispersions and this can require many days or weeks to test each formula. Metrics for determining stability often simply use subjective observation to define when sedimentation has occurred and subsequently use further qualitative evaluation of the sediment. However, even these methods are inaccurate and time consuming. Accordingly, there remains an opportunity for improvement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0012] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a test tube used in a centrifuge that shows sediment, metal particles, and a quantity of the continuous phase not decanted therefrom.

[0013] Figure IB is a perspective view of a test tube used in a centrifuge that shows sediment, metal particles, and the continuous phase decanted therefrom.

[0014] Figure 2A is a photograph of a measurement of precipitate height as a percentage of total dispersion height.

[0015] Figure 2B is a line graph of sediment column height as a function of centrifuge time.

[0016] Figure 3 A is a second line graph of sedimentation height as a function of centrifuge time.

[0017] Figure 3B is a line graph of sedimentation height as a function of time that the dispersion was allowed to settle without centrifugation.

[0018] Figure 4A is a bar graph showing sedimentation height as a function of repetition.

[0019] Figure 4B is a magnification of Figure 4A.

[0020] Figure 4C is a bar graph showing mass of precipitate as a function of repetition.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0021] This disclosure provides a method for determining an amount of sediment in a ceramic dispersion for additive fabrication. The ceramic dispersion includes (a) a free-radical curable monomer as a continuous phase, (b) silica as a dispersed phase that is dispersed in the continuous phase and that is present in an amount of from 55 to 70 volume percent based on a total volume of the ceramic dispersion, and (c) metal particles. The method includes the steps of providing a centrifuge to apply a gravitational force to the ceramic dispersion and placing a sample of the ceramic dispersion in a sample container in the centrifuge. The method also includes the step of applying a gravitational force of from 25G to 2000G to the ceramic dispersion in the centrifuge to precipitate an amount of the silica from the continuous phase thereby forming a sediment that comprises a topmost layer disposed on the sediment wherein the topmost layer comprises the metal particles to allow for visualization. The method further includes the step of measuring the amount of the sediment in the ceramic dispersion. The step of measuring can occur via calculating the height of the sediment as a percentage of the total height of the dispersion, and/or decanting the continuous phase and measuring the mass of the sediment to determine a mass percentage of the sediment based on the total mass of the dispersion before application of gravitational force.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0022] This disclosure provides a method for determining an amount of sediment in a ceramic dispersion for additive fabrication. The ceramic dispersion is hereinafter described as a "dispersion." The terminology "additive fabrication" describes building parts in layers, as is well known in the art and as is described above. The terminology "ceramic" describes that the dispersion is used to form ceramic articles, also described in greater detail below. The terminology "dispersion" describes a composition that includes a continuous phase and a dispersed phase that is dispersed in the continuous phase. The terminology "sediment" typically describes an amount of the dispersed phase that has settled out of the continuous phase.

[0023] The dispersion includes a free-radical curable monomer as a continuous phase, silica as a dispersed phase that is dispersed in the continuous phase and that is present in an amount of from 55 to 70 volume percent based on a total volume of the ceramic dispersion, and metal particles. Each is described below.

[0024] In various embodiments, the dispersion is, consists essentially of, or consists of, the free-radical curable monomer, the silica, and the metal particles. For example, in

embodiments that "consist essentially of the aforementioned components, the dispersion may be free of monomers that are not polymerizable by free-radical mechanisms, other polymers, additives of any type known in the art including any additives described herein, any polymerization initiators that are not free-radical initiators, and/or fillers other than silica, etc., and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively, any one or more of these components may be present in an amount of less than 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, etc, or any range thereof, based on a total weight of the dispersion. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between the aforementioned values are hereby expressly contemplated.

Free-Radical Curable Monomer:

[0025] The dispersion includes a free-radical curable monomer. This monomer is able to polymerize with itself and/or with other acrylate monomers via free-radical polymerization, e.g. initiated by exposure to UV light/energy, peroxides, or other free-radical initiators, as is known in the art. This monomer acts as the continuous (e.g. liquid) phase of the dispersion. The free-radical curable monomer may be an acrylate or a methacrylate. The acrylate monomer may be a multifunctional acrylate. A single type or more than one type of UV curable acrylate monomer may be used.

[0026] Suitable non-limiting examples include isobornyl (meth)acrylate, bornyl

(meth)acrylate, tricyclodecanyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl (meth)acrylate,

dicyclopentenyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, 4- butylcyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, acryloyl morpholine, (meth)acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, amyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, t-butyl (meth)acrylate, pentyl (meth)acrylate, caprolactone acrylate, isoamyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl (meth)acrylate, heptyl (meth)acrylate, octyl (meth)acrylate, isooctyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, nonyl (meth)acrylate, decyl (meth)acrylate, isodecyl (meth)acrylate, tridecyl (meth)acrylate, undecyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, isostearyl

(meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, butoxyethyl (meth)acrylate,

ethoxydiethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, methoxyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, diacetone

(meth)acrylamide, beta-carboxy ethyl (meth)acrylate, phthalic acid (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, butylcarbamethyl (meth)acrylate, n-isopropyl (meth)acrylamide fluorinated (meth)acrylate, 7-amino-3,7- dimethyloctyl (meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol

(meth)acrylate, ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether

di(meth)acrylate, dicyclopentadiene dimethanol di(meth)acrylate, [2-[l, l-dimethyl-2-[(l- oxoallyl)oxy]ethyl]-5-ethyl-l,3-dioxan-5-yl]methyl acrylate; 3,9-bis(l, l-dimethyl-2- hydroxyethyl)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5- ]undecane di(meth)acrylate; dipentaerythritol monohydroxy penta(meth)acrylate, propoxylated trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, propoxylated neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, tetraethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, polybutanediol di(meth)acrylate, tripropyleneglycol di(meth)acrylate, glycerol tri(meth)acrylate, phosphoric acid mono- and di(meth)acrylates, C7-C20 alkyl di(meth)acrylates, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate tri(meth)acrylate, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate di(meth)acrylate, , tricyclodecane diyl dimethyl di(meth)acrylate and alkoxylated versions (e.g., ethoxylated and/or propoxylated) thereof, and triethylene glycol divinyl ether, adducts of hydroxyethyl acrylate, and combinations thereof.

[0027] In other embodiments, the acrylate monomer is a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate that may include all methacryloyl groups, all acryloyl groups, or any combination of methacryloyl and acryloyl groups. In on embodiment, the acrylate monomer is chosen from propoxylated trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, and propoxylated neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, and combinations thereof.

[0028] In other embodiments, the acrylate monomer has more than 2, more than 3, or more than 4 functional groups. Alternatively, the acrylate monomer may have exactly 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, functional groups. In one embodiment, the acrylate monomer consists exclusively of a single polyfunctional (meth)acrylate component. In other embodiments, the acrylate monomer is chosen from dicyclopentadiene dimethanol diacrylate, [2- [1,1 -dimethyl - 2-[(l-oxoallyl)oxy]ethyl]-5-ethyl-l,3-dioxan-5-yl]methyl acrylate, propoxylated

trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and propoxylated neopentyl glycol diacrylate, and combinations thereof. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between the aforementioned values are hereby expressly contemplated.

[0029] Alternatively, the acrylate monomer may be dicyclopentadiene dimethanol di(meth)acrylate, propoxylated trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, and/or propoxylated neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, and more specifically, one or more of dicyclopentadiene dimethanol diacrylate, propoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and/or propoxylated neopentyl glycol diacrylate.

[0030] The above-mentioned acrylate monomers can be used singly or in combination of two or more. The dispersion can include any suitable amount of the acrylate monomer so long as the silica is present in an amount of from 55 to 70 volume percent based on a total volume of the dispersion and the free-radical initiator and the shear thinning additive are also present in the dispersion. [0031] In various embodiments, the free-radical curable monomer is further defined as a (meth)acrylate monomer which can be any monomer having at least one acrylate functional group and/or at least one methacrylate functional group. In other words, the terminology "(meth)" describes that the "meth" group is optional and not required. Thus, the monomer may be an "acrylate" monomer (without a methyl group) or a "methacrylate" monomer that includes a methyl group. It is typical that the (meth)acrylate monomer used herein is a compound selected from the group of aliphatic acrylates, aliphatic methacrylates, cycloaliphatic acrylates, cycloaliphatic methacrylates, and combinations thereof. It is to be understood that each of the compounds, the aliphatic acrylates, the aliphatic methacrylates, the cycloaliphatic acrylates, and the cycloaliphatic methacrylates, include an alkyl radical. The alkyl radicals of these compounds can include up to 20 carbon atoms.

[0032] The aliphatic acrylates that may be selected as one of the (meth)acrylate monomers are selected from the group consisting of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, n- butyl acrylate, iso-butyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, iso-octyl acrylate, iso-nonyl acrylate, iso-pentyl acrylate, tridecyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, and mixtures thereof. The aliphatic methacrylates that may be selected as one of the (meth)acrylate monomers are selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, iso-butyl methacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, iso- octyl methacrylate, iso-nonyl methacrylate, iso-pentyl methacrylate, tridecyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof. The cycloaliphatic acrylate that may be selected as one of the (meth)acrylate monomers is cyclohexyl acrylate, and the cycloaliphatic methacrylate that may be selected as one of the (meth)acrylate monomers is cyclohexyl methacrylate.

[0033] In various embodiments, the acrylate monomer is present in an amount of greater than zero and up to about 40 volume % of the dispersion. In other embodiments, the acrylate monomer is present in amount of from 2 to 40, 5 to 40, 5 to 35, 5 to 30, 10 to 30, 10 to 25, 10 to 20, 15 to 30, 15 to 25, 15 to 20, or 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, volume percent based on a total volume weight of the dispersion. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between the aforementioned values are hereby expressly contemplated.

[0034] Free-radical curable monomers that are not acrylates can also be used. These may include any known in the art such as those that include carbon-carbon double bonds (e.g. ethylenically unsaturated compounds), carbon-carbon triple bonds, and/or any other compounds that are polymerizable via free-radical polymerization mechanisms. In various alternative embodiments, the dispersion is free of monomers that are not (meth)acrylates.

Silica:

[0035] The dispersion also includes the silica. The silica is the dispersed phase that is dispersed in the continuous phase described above. For example, silica particles can be dispersed in the acrylate monomer, which is typically liquid or liquid-like. The silica is present in an amount of from 55 to 70 volume percent based on a total volume of the dispersion. In various embodiments, the silica is present in 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70, volume percent based on a total volume of the dispersion. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between the

aforementioned values are hereby expressly contemplated.

[0036] In various embodiments, the silica is further defined as silica particles, e.g.

microparticles and/or nanoparticles. For example, the silica (particles) may be 90, 95, 99, or approximately 100 wt% of microparticles, nanoparticles, or a combination of microparticles and nanoparticles. Nanoparticles may be described as those particles having a mean particle size of from between 1 nanometer (nm) to 999 nm. Microparticles may be alternatively described as those particles having a mean particle size of from 1 micrometer (μιη) to 999 μιη. In various embodiments, the silica has a particle size (distribution) that ranges from 0.04 micrometers to 90 micrometers. In various embodiments, the silica has a particle size of from 1 micrometer to 90 micrometers and includes 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, or 0.01, weight or volume percent or less of nanoparticles having a particle size of from 10 nanometers to 999 nanometers. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between and including all values above are hereby expressly contemplated for use.

[0037] In various embodiments, the silica comprises a combination of microparticles having a particle size of from 1 to 90 micrometers and nanoparticles having a particle size of from 10 to 500 nanometers, in a ratio of average particle size of microparticles:nanoparticles of from 1 :2 to 1:200. In other embodiments, the silica comprises a combination of microparticles having a particle size of from 1 to 90 micrometers and nanoparticles having a particle size of from 10 to 1000 nanometers, in a ratio of average particle size of microparticles:nanoparticles of from 1 :2 to 1 :200. In other non-limiting embodiments, these ratios can be reversed. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between and including 1 and 90 micrometers, 10 and 500 nanometers, and 1 :2 and 1:200, are hereby expressly contemplated for use. [0038] Alternatively, nanoparticles may be described as those particles having a mean particle size of from between 1 nanometer (nm) to 999 nm. Microparticles may be alternatively described as those particles having a mean particle size of from 1 micrometer (μιη) to 999 μιη. In various embodiments, the silica has a particle size (distribution) that ranges from 0.04 micrometers to 90 micrometers. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between and including all values above are hereby expressly contemplated for use.

[0039] Particle size may be measured using laser diffraction particle size analysis in accordance with ISO13320:2009. A suitable device for measuring the average particle diameter of nanoparticles is the LB-550 machine, available from Horiba Instruments, Inc, which measures particle diameter by dynamic light scattering. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between the aforementioned values are hereby expressly contemplated.

[0040] The silica may include greater than 85 wt %, 90 wt %, or 95 wt % of silica (Si0 ₂ ). Certain non-limiting examples of commercially available silica include Crystallite 3K-S, Crystallite NX-7, Crystallite MCC-4, Crystallite CMC-12, Crystallite A-l, Crystallite AA, Crystallite C, Crystallite D, Crystallite CMC- 1, Crystallite C-66, Crystallite 5X, Crystallite 2A-2, Crystallite VX-S2, Crystallite VX-SR, Crystallite VX-X, Crystallite VX-S, Huselex RD-8, Huselex RD-120, Huselex MCF-4, Huselex GP-200T, Huselex ZA-30, Huselex RD-8, Huselex Y-40, Huselex E-2, Huselex Y-60, Huselex E-l, Huselex E-2, Huselex FF, Huselex X, Huselex ZA-20, IMSIL A-25, IMSIL A-15, IMSIL A-10, and IMSIL A-8, (Ryushin Co., Ltd.); ORGANOSILICASOL MEK-EC-2102, Organosilicasol MEK-EC-2104,

Organosilicasol MEK-AC-2202, Organosilicasol MEK-AC-4101, Organosilicasol MEK-AC- 5101, Organosilicasol MIBK-SD, Organosilicasol MIBK-SD-L, Organosilicasol DMAC-ST, Organosilicasol EG-ST, Organosilicasol IPA-ST, Organosilicasol IPA-ST-L, Organosilicasol IPA-ST-L-UP, Organosilicasol IPA-ST-ZL, Organosilicasol MA-ST-M, Organosilicasol MEK-ST, Organosilicasol MEK-ST-L, Organosilicasol MEK-ST-UP, Organosilicasol MIBK-ST, Organosilicasol MT-ST, Organosilicasol NPC-ST-30, Organosilicasol PMA-ST, Sunsphere H-31, Sunsphere H-32, Sunsphere H-51, Sunsphere H-52, Sunsphere H-121, Sunsphere H-122, Sunsphere L-31, Sunsphere L-51, Sunsphere L-121, Sunsphere NP-30, Sunsphere NP-100, and Sunsphere NP-200 (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.); Silstar MK-08 and MK- 15 (Nippon Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.); FB-48 (Denki Kagaku Kogyo K.K.); Nipsil SS- 10, Nipsi:L SS-15, Nipsil SS-10A, Nipsil SS-20, Nipsil SS-30P, Nipsil SS-30S, Nipsil SS-40, Nipsil SS-50, Nipsil SS-50A, Nipsil SS-70, Nipsil SS-100, Nipsil SS- 10F, Nipsil SS-50F, Nipsil SS-50B, Nipsil SS-50C, Nipsil SS-72F, Nipsil SS-170X, Nipsil SS-178B, Nipsil E150K, Nipsil E-150J, Nipsil E-1030, Nipsil ST-4, Nipsil E-170, Nipsil E-200, Nipsil E-220, Nipsil E-200A, Nipsil E-1009, Nipsil E-220A, Nipsil E-1011, NipsilE-K300, Nipsil HD, Nipsil HD-2, Nipsil N-300A, Nipsil L-250, Nipsil G-300, Nipsil E-75, Nipsil E-743, and Nipsil E-74P (Nippon Silica Industry, Ltd.). In other embodiments, the silica is as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,714, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in various non-limiting embodiments relative to the silica.

[0041] The silica may be surface treated with a silane coupling agent. Silane coupling agents which can be used for this purpose include vinyl trichlorosilane, vinyl tris (beta- methoxyethoxy) silane, vinyltriethoxy silane, vinyltrimethoxy silane, gamma- (methacryloxypropyl) trimethoxy silane, beta-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxy silane, gamma-glycydoxypropyltrimethoxy silane, gamma-glycydoxypropylmethyl diethoxy silane, N-beta(aminoethyl) aminopropyltrimethoxy silane, N-beta-(aminoethyl)-gamma- aminopropylmethyldimethoxy silane, gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-phenyl-gamma- amino propyl trimethoxy silane, gamma-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane, and gamma- chloropropyltrimethoxy silane.

[0042] In various embodiments, a typical silica formulation suitable for printing 100 μιη layers is set forth in the table below.

[0043] In other embodiments, a formulation suitable for printing 50 μ layers is found in the table below.

Milled Zircon Fine Zircon Remet 2%

Grind

[0044] *indicates that the Angular -200 as delivered from Remet is sifted through a 325 mesh sieve.

[0045] * * indicates that the RP- 1 as delivered from Imerys is sifted through a 325 mesh sieve.

[0046] Teco-sphere Microdust is commercially available from Imerys Fused Materials Greenville, Inc., 109 Coile Street, Greeville, TN, USA.

[0047] Angular -200 is commercially available from Remet Corporation, 210 Commons Road, Utica, NY 13502-6395, USA.

[0048] RP-1 is commercially available Imerys Fused Materials Greenville, Inc., 109 Coile Street, Greeville, TN, USA.

[0049] A-10 is commercially available from Almatis Inc., 501 West Park Road, Leetsdale, Pa 15056, USA

[0050] Milled Zircon Fine Grind is commercially available from Remet Corporation, 210 Commons Road, Utica, NY 13502-6395, USA.

[0051] In other embodiments, increasing the ceramic loading increases the viscosity and the probability of particle-particle interactions which decrease the sedimentation rate of the dispersion. Maximizing the ceramic loading can also increase the density of the ceramic article, decreases cracking and delamination flaws, and increase the mechanical strength of the ceramic article. As the ceramic loading reaches 64-66 volume percent for loading, the viscosity can begin to increase exponentially. Therefore, in various embodiments, 64 volume percent ceramic loading is used to maintain a formulation viscosity low enough for 3D printing.

Metal Particles

[0052] The dispersion also includes metal particles. The metal particles are typically steel but may be any type of metal. The metal particles are typically derived from metallic equipment used to form the dispersion and are not typically independently added by a technician to the dispersion. In other words, the metal particles are typically generated in-situ when the dispersion is being formed. However, in various embodiments, the disclosure is not limited in this way such that the metal particles themselves and/or additional metal particles may be independently added by hand notwithstanding whether any metal particles are generated in-situ. The metal particles can be present in an amount of less than 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, 0.001, 0.0005, or 0.0001, weight percent based on a total weight of the dispersion. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between and including all values above are hereby expressly contemplated for use.

Dye and/or Pigment:

[0053] The dispersion may also include a dye and/or pigment, e.g. present in an amount 0.01 to 0.3 weight percent based on a total weight percent of the dispersion. In various embodiments, the dye and/or pigment is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.25, 0.1 to 0.2, or 0.15 to 0.2, weight percent based on a total weight percent of the dispersion. In various embodiments, the dye is an anthraquinone dye. In other embodiments, the pigment has a density greater than 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5, g/cm ³ . In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between and including all values above are hereby expressly contemplated for use.

Free-Radical Initiator:

[0054] In various embodiments, the dispersion includes a free-radical initiator. Typically, the free-radical initiator is a UV activated free-radical initiator. For example, the free-radical initiator is typically initiated by exposure to UV light which causes a radical to form, followed by propagation of that radical. However, a non-UV initiated free-radical initiator may be used alone or in combination with a UV activated free-radical initiator.

[0055] The free-radical initiator may be described as a free-radical photoinitiator. Free- radical photoinitiators are typically divided into those that form radicals by cleavage, known as "Norrish Type I" and those that form radicals by hydrogen abstraction, known as "Norrish type Π". The Norrish type II photoinitiators typically require a hydrogen donor, which serves as the free-radical source. As the initiation is based on a bimolecular reaction, the Norrish type II photoinitiators are generally slower than Norrish type I photoinitiators which are based on the unimolecular formation of radicals. However, Norrish type II photoinitiators typically possess better optical absorption properties in the near-UV spectroscopic region. Photolysis of aromatic ketones, such as benzophenone, thioxanthones, benzil, and quinones, in the presence of hydrogen donors, such as alcohols, amines, or thiols leads to the formation of a radical produced from the carbonyl compound (ketyl-type radical) and another radical derived from the hydrogen donor. The photopolymerization of vinyl monomers is typically initiated by the radicals produced from the hydrogen donor. The ketyl radicals are typically not reactive toward vinyl monomers because of the steric hindrance and the derealization of an unpaired electron. [0056] In various embodiments, the free-radical initiator is chosen from benzoylphosphine oxides, aryl ketones, benzophenone s, hydroxylated ketones, 1-hydroxyphenyl ketones, ketals, metallocenes, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the free-radical initiator is chosen from 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl phenyl, ethoxy phosphine oxide, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide, 2- methyl- 1 - [4-(methylthio)phenyl] -2-morpholinopropanone- 1 ,2-benzyl-2-(dim- ethylamino)- 1 - [4-(4-morpholinyl)phenyl] - 1 -butanone, 2-dimethylamino-2-(4-methyl -benzyl)- 1 -(4- mo holin-4-yl-phenyl)-butan-l-o- ne, 4-benzoyl-4'-methyl diphenyl sulphide, 4,4'- bis(diethylamino) benzophenone, and 4,4'-bis(N,N'-dimethylamino) benzophenone (Michler's ketone), benzophenone, 4-methyl benzophenone, 2,4,6-trimethyl benzophenone,

dimethoxybenzophenone, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, phenyl (1- hydroxyisopropyl)ketone, 2-hydroxy- 1 - [4-(2-hydroxyethoxyl)phenyl] -2-methyl- 1 -propanone, 4-isopropylphenyl( 1 -hydroxyisopropyl)ketone, oligo- [2-hydroxy-2-methyl- 1 - [4-( 1 - methylvinyl)phenyl] propanone], camphorquinone, 4,4'-bis(diethylamino) benzophenone, benzil dimethyl ketal, bis(eta 5-2-4-cyclopentadien-l-yl) bis[2,6-difluoro-3-(lH-pyrrol- l- yl)phenyl]titanium, and combinations thereof.

[0057] Typically, when forming the dispersion, the wavelength sensitivity of the

photoinitiator(s) present is evaluated to determine whether they will be activated by a chosen radiation source. For light sources emitting in the 300-475 nm wavelength range, especially those emitting at 365 nm, 390 nm, or 395 nm, non-limiting examples of suitable free-radical initiators absorbing in these ranges include, but are not limited to, benzoylphosphine oxides, such as, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (Lucirin TPO from BASF) and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl phenyl, ethoxy phosphine oxide (Lucirin TPO-L from BASF), bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide (Irgacure 819 or BAPO from Ciba), 2- methyl-l-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-mo holinopropanone-l (Irgacure 907 from Ciba), 2- benzyl-2-(dimethylamino)-l-[4-(4-mo holinyl)phenyl]-l-butanone (Irgacure 369 from Ciba), 2-dimethylamino-2-(4-methyl-benzyl)-l-(4-mo holin-4-yl-phenyl)-butan-l-o- ne (Irgacure 379 from Ciba), 4-benzoyl-4'-methyl diphenyl sulphide (Chivacure BMS from Chitec), 4,4'-bis(diethylamino) benzophenone (Chivacure EMK from Chitec), and 4,4'- bis(N,N'-dimethylamino) benzophenone (Michler's ketone). Also suitable are combinations thereof.

[0058] Additionally, photosensitizers can be used, e.g. when using an LED light source. Non-limiting examples of suitable photosensitizers include: anthraquinones, such as 2- methylanthraquinone, 2-ethylanthraquinone, 2-tertbutylanthraquinone, 1- chloroanthraquinone, and 2-amylanthraquinone, thioxanthones and xanthomes, such as isopropyl thioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, and l-chloro-4- propoxythioxanthone, methyl benzoyl formate (Darocur MBF from Ciba), methyl-2-benzoyl benzoate (Chivacure OMB from Chitec), 4-benzoyl-4'-methyl diphenyl sulphide (Chivacure BMS from Chitec), 4,4'-bis(diethylamino) benzophenone (Chivacure EMK from Chitec).

[0059] For light sources emitting in the wavelength range of 100 to 300 nm, photosensitizers such as benzophenones, such as benzophenone, 4-methyl benzophenone, 2,4,6-trimethyl benzophenone, dimethoxybenzophenone, and 1-hydroxyphenyl ketones, such as 1- hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, phenyl (l-hydroxyisopropyl)ketone, 2-hydroxy-l-[4-(2- hroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-methyl- 1-propanone, and 4-isopropylphenyl(l- hydroxyisopropyl)ketone, benzil dimethyl ketal, and oligo-[2-hydroxy-2-methyl-l-[4-(l- methylvinyl)phenyl]propanone] (Esacure KIP 150 from Lamberti), and combinations thereof, can be used.

[0060] For light sources emitting in the wavelength range of 475 to 900 nm, free-radical initiators such as camphorquinone, 4,4'-bis(diethylamino) benzophenone (Chivacure EMK from Chitec), 4,4'-bis(N,N'-dimethylamino) benzophenone (Michler's ketone), bis(2,4,6- trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide ("BAPO," or Irgacure 819 from Ciba), and the visible light photoinitiators from Spectra Group Limited, Inc. such as H-Nu 470, H-Nu-535, H-Nu-635, H-Nu-Blue-640, and H-Nu-Blue-660, and combinations thereof, may be used.

[0061] Referring back to the UV light, the light may be UVA radiation, which is radiation with a wavelength between about 320 and about 400 nm, UVB radiation, which is radiation with a wavelength between about 280 and about 320 nm, and/or UVC radiation, which is radiation with a wavelength between about 100 and about 280 nm.

[0062] The dispersion may include any amount of the free-radical initiator so long as the other required components are present. For example, the free-radical initiator may be present in an amount of greater than zero and up to about 10 wt % of the dispersion, from about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of the dispersion, or from about 1 to about 6 wt % of the dispersion. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values between the

aforementioned values are hereby expressly contemplated.

Shear-Thinning Additive:

[0063] In still other embodiments, the dispersion also includes a shear thinning additive to minimize silica sedimentation in the dispersion. The shear thinning additive may be chosen from bentonite clay, a urea-polyol-aliphatic copolymer, an acrylic copolymer, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the shear thinning additive is the bentonite clay. In another embodiment, the shear thinning additive is the urea-polyol-aliphatic copolymer. In a further embodiment, the shear thinning additive is the acrylic polymer. The shear thinning additive that may be used is commercially available as BYK 410, 420, or 430.

[0064] In various embodiments, the acrylic copolymer has the following structure:

wherein each of R ¹ and R ² is independently a group (C _n H _2n )OH wherein n is from 15 to 20. For example, n may be 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20. Moreover, the OH group may be present at any location on the chain of R ¹ and R ² . R ¹ and R ² may have the same or different chain lengths. In one embodiment, the acrylic copolymer is N,N'-Ethane-l,2-diylbis(12-

,Ν*-ΕΐΗ3η6-1,2-(ϋγ1Βί3(12-Ηγ(3Γθ γοοΐ3(36θ3η-1-Βΐτιί ΐ6) wherein n of both R ¹ and R ² are 17. In other embodiments, the acrylic copolymer is Atta 50 available from BASF.

[0065] In further embodiments, the shear thinning additive is the urea-polyol-aliphatic copolymer having the structure:

In other embodiments, the shear thinning additive is the urea-polyol-aliphatic copolymer having the structure:

[0066] In further embodiments, the shear thinning additive is a modified hydrogenated castor oil. The modified hydrogenated castor oil may be EFKA RM1900 from BASF. Additives:

[0067] The dispersion may also include, or be free of, or include less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, or 0.01, weight percent of one or more additives set forth below. The dispersion may alternatively include 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weight percent of one or more additive set forth below. Such additives include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,792 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,787, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference relative to such additives in various non- limiting embodiments. In various embodiments, the additive is chosen from hydrocarbon carboxylic acid salts of group IA and IIA metals such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and rubidium carbonate, polyvinylpyrrolidones, poly aery lonitriles, and combinations thereof. Other additives include dyes, pigments, antioxidants, wetting agents, photosensitizers, chain transfer agents, leveling agents, defoamers, surfactants, bubble breakers, antioxidants, acid scavengers, thickeners, flame retardants, silane coupling agents, ultraviolet absorbers, resin particles, core-shell particle impact modifiers, soluble polymers and block polymers. In various non-limiting embodiments, all values and ranges of values including and between those set forth above are hereby expressly contemplated for use herein. One or more of any of the aforementioned components can be combined with any one or more other components as a whole or in various parts.

Physical Properties:

[0068] The dispersion also typically has a sedimentation rate that is at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99, percent less as compared to an identical composition that is free of the sheer thinning additive. The sedimentation rate is typically determined by the following method. However, any method in the art can be used.

Method For Determining Amount of Sediment in Dispersion:

[0069] The method of this disclosure includes providing a centrifuge to apply a gravitational force to the ceramic dispersion, placing a sample of the ceramic dispersion in a sample container in the centrifuge, applying a gravitational force of from 25 G to 2000G to the ceramic dispersion in the centrifuge to precipitate an amount of the silica from the continuous phase thereby forming a sediment that comprises a topmost layer (25) disposed on the sediment wherein the topmost layer (25) comprises the metal particles to allow for visualization, and measuring the amount of the sediment in the ceramic dispersion. The step of measuring can be further defined as, or include, or be, (i) calculating the height of the sediment as a percentage of the total height of the dispersion (e.g. as shown in Figure 1A), and/or (ii) decanting the continuous phase and measuring the mass of the sediment to determine a mass percentage of the sediment based on the total mass of the dispersion before application of gravitational force (e.g. as shown in Figure IB). Each is described in greater detail below.

[0070] In one embodiment, the method typically uses a centrifuge to exert centripetal forces on the dispersion that are many times the normal force of gravity. This increased G force accelerates particle segregation and precipitation. Any centrifuge apparatus can be used. However, it tends to be easier to evaluate amounts of sediment in a quantitative manner when the centrifuge is oriented such that the centrifuge tubes containing the test dispersions are aligned with the direction of the centripetal force applied such that the resulting precipitate top surface is parallel with the top and bottom of the centrifuge tube. In this manner, the thickness of the precipitate (20) can be readily measured simply by using a ruled scale such as a millimeter scale. A swing-out type of centrifuge that allows the centrifuge tubes to swing into this described position may be used. Alternatively, a centrifuge can be used that mounts the centrifuge tubes onto a flat circular plate that spins such as that found in the apparatus manufactured and marketed as a LUMiSizer.

[0071] In various embodiments, a LUMiSizer 6112-24 dispersion analyzer is used. This analyzer is designed to accelerate and follow a precipitation process by shining a beam of light through the centrifuge tube while spinning. When using a dispersion that includes both large and small particles, large amounts of large particle precipitate (20) may be observed with the naked eye while the rest of the dispersion remains opaque to a probe of the LUMiSizer 6112-24.

[0072] A first method decants the dispersion (30) (see Figure 1A) from the precipitate (20), e.g. as shown in Figure IB, and measure the mass of the precipitate (20) as a percentage of the total mass of the dispersion before applying the centrifuge centripetal force. The second method aligns a ruled scale to the centrifuge tube and the distance between the bottom of the tube, the top of the dispersion, and the top of the precipitate (20) and reports the height of the precipitate (20) as a percentage of the total height of the dispersion.

[0073] The rate of spin of the centrifuge can be varied to minimize the testing time such that a measurable amount of precipitate (20) can be observed while avoiding that all or most of the particles precipitated. The acceleration applied to the dispersions is calculated by the following equations:

a _c = v ² / r

= ω ² r

— (2 π n _s ) ² r — (2 π n _rpm / 60) r

where

a _c = centripetal acceleration (m/s ² )

v = tangential velocity (m/s)

r = circular radius from the center of rotation to the midpoint of the dispersion column (m)

ω— angular velocity (rad/s)

n _s = revolutions per second (1/s)

n _rpm = revolutions per min (1/min)

[0074] Samples can be prepared by pipetting the dispersions into centrifuge tubes to a height of 45 mm. Polyamide centrifuge tubes can be used to prevent dissolution of the tubes by the acrylate monomers. An acceleration force of 2000 G typically precipitates all particles, which is not desirable. 500 G of force may achieve the same undesirable result. A rotation speed of about 600 RPM corresponding to 46 G may produce reproducibly measurable amounts of precipitate (20). The time that the rotation is applied can then be varied to determine optimum test time. Two test samples can then be removed from the centrifuge at 10 minute intervals. More specifically, the tubes can be spun for 10-60 minutes at 46x gravity (e.g. 600 rpm) at 25°C. Centrifugation can start with a full set of tubes (12 each). Every 10 min, centrifugation can then be paused to remove one tube for sediment measurement while the centrifugation continues with the rest of the tubes. The height of the sediment and the total height of the dispersion can be measured with a scale having a precision of ± 0.5 mm.

[0075] The appropriate acceleration can depend, at least in part, on the properties of the particles in the dispersion. In one embodiment, an acceleration that produces approximately 46 G is sufficient when the particles are ceramic particles (D50 = 9 μιη, mainly including silica particles with a small fraction of alumina and also zircon particles as large as 90 μιη). In various embodiments, the G force is from 25 to 100, 30 to 95, 35 to 90, 40 to 85, 45 to 80, 50 to 75, 55 to 70, 60 to 65, 40 to 50, 40 to 45, or 45 to 50, G. In other embodiments, the G force is from 100 to 2000, 200 to 1900, 300 to 1800, 400 to 1700, 500 to 1600, 600 to 1500, 700 to 1400, 800 to 1300, 900 to 1200, or 1000 to 1100, G.

[0076] In other embodiments, visualization of a sediment boundary can be customized by adding small fractions of pigment (0.1 w% of Oracet Blue 640). Without pigment, the interface of sediment and supernatant can be barely detectable as the instant dispersion typically does not have a clear supernatant. Instead, only the largest particles from the sediment tend to be apparent while the majority of the ceramic small particles remain suspended in the supernatant rendering it opaque.

[0077] The dispersion typically has a viscosity from 500 to 4,000 cps at 25°C and 30 RPM using ASTM D 2196 - 99. In various embodiments, the viscosity is from 600 to 3, 900, from 700 to 3,800, from 800 to 3,700, from 900 to 3,600, from 1,000 to 3,500, from 1, 100 to 3,400, from 1,200 to 3,300, from 1,300 to 3,200, from 1,400 to 3, 100, from 1,500 to 3,000, from 1,600 to 2,900, from 1,700 to 2,800, from 1,800 to 2,700, from 1,900 to 2,600, from 2,000 to 2,500, from 2, 100 to 2,400, or from 2,200 to 2,300, cps at 25°C and 30 RPM using ASTM D 2196 - 99.

Method of Forming the Dispersion:

[0078] This disclosure also provides a method of forming the dispersion. The method includes the steps of providing the UV curable acrylate monomer, providing the silica, providing the free-radical initiator, and providing the sheer thinning additive. The method also includes the steps of combining the UV curable acrylate monomer, the silica, the free- radical initiator, and the sheer thinning additive to form the dispersion. One or more of these components can be combined with any one or more other components as a whole or in various parts.

[0079] In various non-limiting embodiments, in order to lower the dispersion viscosity sufficient for 3D printing and to avoid the presence of agglomerate particles greater than one print layer thickness, the silica particles must experience high shear during mixing in order to break up large silica agglomerates. This requires preparation of a silica paste concentrate ("silica concentrate") through slow addition of the 86.7%w silica powder to a mixture of 1.7%w of the dispersant Variquat CC 42 NS with 11.6%w of the main acrylic monomer while mixing, followed by continuous shear mixing of this high viscosity paste for several hours. In various embodiments, this silica concentrate is then mixed with the remaining liquid ingredients (e.g. a "photopolymer diluent") to reduce the dispersion viscosity suitable for 3D printing.

[0080] Silica photopolymer dispersions, for example, can be prepared using high shear mixing, such as that provided by an anchor-double-helix mixer National Board No. U-l 131 manufactured by Chemineer or a 5 quart KitchenAid mixer using a KFE5T Flex Edge Beater available from Amazon.com. It some embodiments, it is important to have sufficient shear of the high viscosity silica concentrate in order to de-agglomerate the silica before reducing the viscosity by the addition of the photopolymer diluent. For example, to a 5 quart KitchenAid mixer equipped with the nylon coated flat beater, 0.10 Kg of the dispersant Variquat CC 42 NS and 0.7 Kg of the acrylic monomer can be added. These liquid ingredients can then be mixed on the slowest speed setting for 1 minute. The silica powder can then be added in small aliquots such that the consistency does not go beyond the paste stage while allowing sufficient mixing between aliquot additions to reduce the viscosity back to a high viscosity liquid. The silica addition usually requires 45-60 minutes. The stirrer can then be changed to the flex edge beater in order to increase the shear force for breaking up silica agglomerates by having a smaller clearance between the stir blade and the mixing bowl wall. Stirring can be continued in this manner for an additional two hours. As the viscosity decreases due to silica de-agglomeration the stirring speed can be increased, however stirring speed should be moderated to maintain the temperature of the mixture below 50 °C in order to avoid polymerizing the dispersion. This silica concentrate can then ne mixed with the remaining liquid ingredients ("photopolymer diluent") in order to reduce the dispersion viscosity suitable for 3D printing.

[0081] In mix vessels that are equipped with temperature control such as the Chemineer vessel, temperature of the vessel can be controlled by a cooling jacket in addition to agitation speed. Typically but not required, higher agitation speeds were used at the end of the mix time to ensure agglomeration break-up. Any high shear blade or paddle such as the double helix will provide enough shear to break agglomerations.

Ceramic Article:

[0082] The dispersion can be used to form a ceramic article. The ceramic article is not particularly limited and may be any known in the art. For example, the ceramic article is typically a ceramic core or ceramic shell which create a mold for the investment casting of nickel super alloy parts. In other embodiments, the dispersion can be used to form a ceramic article that is involved in the casting or formation of metal parts and many different types of casting.

Method of Forming the Ceramic Article:

[0083] This disclosure also provides a method of forming a ceramic article from the dispersion. The method includes the steps of A. applying a layer of the ceramic dispersion to a surface and B. selectively exposing the layer image wise to actinic radiation to form an imaged cross-section. The method also includes the steps of C. applying a second layer of the ceramic dispersion to the imaged cross-section and D. selectively exposing the second layer image wise to actinic radiation to form a second imaged cross-section. The method also includes the steps of E. repeating steps (C) and (D) to create a three-dimensional green ceramic article and F. sintering the three-dimensional green ceramic article in a furnace to form the ceramic article.

[0084] The step of A. applying a layer of the ceramic dispersion to a surface may be further defined as applying a layer of the dispersion having a thickness of from 50 to 100, 55 to 95, 60 to 90, 65 to 85, 70 to 80, or 75 to 80, μιη, to the surface. Moreover, the surface is not particularly limited and may be any known in the art. For example, typically all the layers in a part build have the same thickness, e.g. either 50 or 100 μιη. However, the layers can be 150 or 200 μιη thick, but then the stair stepping on sloped surfaces may be too great. In various embodiments, a series of layers are built forming vertical walls at a high layer thickness while building the layers that form sloped or rounded surfaces at a smaller layer thickness. Thicker layers tend to build faster. However, it is desirable for the contour areas of the part to have stair step height minimized.

[0085] The step of applying is typically further defined as applying using a doctor blade controlled by a computer. The doctor blade may have 1-3 baffles wherein the blade may or may not be enclosed such that an applied partial vacuum pulls the dispersion up into the blade for assisted deposition onto the previous layer part surface.

[0086] The step of B. selectively exposing the layer image wise to actinic radiation may be further defined as exposure to UV laser in the 325-365 nm range directed by X-Y scanning mirrors onto a surface of the dispersion. Computer control of mirrors may be used to draw cross sections of the part such that only the part cross section selectively receives UV radiation. Alternatively, a bank of LED lamps having wavelengths of 260, 265, 280, 310, 325 and 340 nm, 365, 375 and 385 nm, and/or 405 nm, or combinations thereof, may be reflected off a digital micro mirror array (DLP chip) to expose a layer cross section image on the surface of the dispersion such that only the part cross section selectively receives UV radiation. The step of C. applying the second layer of the ceramic dispersion to the imaged cross-section may be the same as step A or may be different in one or more respects. For example, the second layer may be the same as, or different from, the first layer with respect to composition, thickness, size, method of application, etc.

[0087] The step of D. selectively exposing the second layer image wise to actinic radiation to form the second imaged cross-section may be the same as step B or may be different in one or more respects. For example, the second layer may be selectively exposed in the same way or differently than the first layer, may be exposed to the same or different actinic radiation, and may have the same, more, or less of the second layer exposed to the radiation. [0088] The step of E. repeating steps (C) and (D) to create the three-dimensional green ceramic article may occur once or many times. For example, steps (C) and (D) may be repeated as many times as chosen by one of skill in the art, e.g. 50 to 5,000, times.

[0089] The step of F. sintering the three-dimensional green ceramic article in a furnace to form the ceramic article is typically further defined as heating at a temperature of from 1100- 1600 °C in the furnace. Typically, the times and temperatures may be any known in the art. Moreover, the furnace type may also be any known in the art.

[0090] Moreover, the method may be alternatively described as three -dimensionally printing the green ceramic article. As such, the method may include any one or more steps known in the art as related to three-dimensional printing. In various non-limiting embodiments, one of more steps of the method may be as described in:

(A) Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing: Fundamentals of StereoLithography, January 15, 1992 by Paul F. Jacobs;

(B) Stereolithography & Other RP&M Technologies: From Rapid Prototyping to Rapid Tooling by Paul F Jacobs, 1995;

(C) US Pat. No. 4,093,017;

(D) Integrally Cored Ceramic Investment Casting Mold Fabricated By Ceramic Stereolithography by Chang- Jun Bae;

(E) Parametric Study And Optimization Of Ceramic Stereolithography by Kahn Chia Wu; and/or

(F) Towards Inert Cores for Investment Casting by Martin Riley, each of which is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety relative to the method in various non-limiting embodiments.

[0091] The method may also include the step of post-curing the three-dimensional green ceramic article prior to the step of sintering. Even though most of the dispersion has typically been solidified during the part building process by the radiation provided, the part typically has only been partially polymerized. The step of post-curing may be further described as when SL parts are postcured to essentially complete the polymerization process and to improve the final mechanical strength of the green ceramic article. A 3D Systems Inc. postcure apparatus (PCA) can be used which is essentially an "oven" with UV light sources that radiate and reflect within the device. The PCA has a turntable that provides for a more distributed actinic UV emission exposure. The standard postcure time is this apparatus is 60 minutes. [0092] In various embodiments, a Prodways L5000 machine can be used and the specific parameters can be chosen by one of skill in the art. In other embodiments, a laser based stereolithography system can be used. Still further, UV 3D printing that exposes photopolymer layers through a glass plate from the bottom (rather than printing from the top exposed to free air) can be used. In all of these systems, the parameters, cycle times, etc. can be chosen by one of skill in the art.

Green Ceramic Article:

[0093] This disclosure also provides the green ceramic article itself. The green ceramic article may be cured, partially cured, or uncured, e.g. by UV radiation. In other words, the green ceramic article may include cured, partially cured, or uncured monomers, as described above. In various embodiments, the green ceramic article is cured using a UV exposure sufficient to cure 200% of a layer thickness (i.e., overcure of 100 μιη on a 100 μιη layer). In such embodiments, the green ceramic article typically has a flexural modulus greater than 10 MPa, greater than 40 MPa, greater than 100 MPa, as measured by ASTM D790. The combination of ceramic photopolymer formulation and UV exposure should form a green article having acceptable green strength, as described above, and a curl factor less than 3, preferably less than 2 and most preferably less than 1.5 as determined by the method described in Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing: Fundamentals of StereoLithography, January 15, 1992 by Paul F. Jacobs, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety relative to various non-limiting embodiments.

[0094] In various non-limiting embodiments, any one or more components, compounds, reactants, solvents, additive, method steps, pieces of equipment, etc. described in one or both of concurrently filed U.S. Provisional Patent Applications for BASF Docket Numbers:

129568 and 160762, may be used herein. Both of these applications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties in various non-limiting embodiments.

EXAMPLES

[0095] Samples were prepared by pipetting the dispersions into centrifuge tubes to a height of 45 mm (figure 2; lOxlOmm square cross section). Polyamide centrifuge tubes were used to prevent tube disintegration by the acrylic formulation). The tubes were then spun for 10-60 minutes at 46 x gravity (600 rpm for this device) at 25 °C. Centrifugation starts with a full set of tubes (12 each). Every 10 min, centrifugation is paused to remove one tube for sediment measurement while the centrifugation continues with the rest of the tubes. The height of the sediment and the total height of the formulation and were measured with a scale having a precision of ± 0.5 mm Figures 2A and 2B show precipitate height as a percentage of total dispersion height as a function of centrifugation time (46 G) for the aforementioned dispersions.

[0096] It was found to be difficult to distinguish by eye the partition between the white ceramic liquid dispersion and the ceramic precipitate (20). It was also found that fine metal particles (25) resulting from the abrasion of the stainless steel propeller blade used to prepare and maintain the ceramic suspension segregated at the top of the precipitate (20) facilitating the visual differentiation and measurement using a ruled scale. An investigation using various visualization aids including dyes, pigments, graphite, identified as an optimal identification agent 0.1 w% of blue dye Oracet Blue 640 available from BASF Canada Inc., 100 Milverton Drive, Mississauga, ON L5R 4H1, Canada.

[0097] A comparison of the centrifuge accelerated test metric at 46 G was made to the observation of a 150 mm column of ceramic dispersion at normal 1G acceleration. Figures 3 A and 3B juxtapose sedimentation behavior of three different materials measured with the centrifuge method at 46 G and in at normal gravity. The comparison demonstrates the validity of the centrifuge acceleration method.

[0098] The reproducibility of the method was demonstrated by comparing 6 repetitions of the measurements as shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C. Both the method using mass measurement and the method using precipitate height measurement are compared. It is clear that the method using precipitate height is more repeatable.

[0099] All combinations of the aforementioned embodiments throughout the entire disclosure are hereby expressly contemplated in one or more non-limiting embodiments even if such a disclosure is not described verbatim in a single paragraph or section above. In other words, an expressly contemplated embodiment may include any one or more elements described above selected and combined from any portion of the disclosure.

[00100] One or more of the values described above may vary by ± 5%, ± 10%, ± 15%,

± 20%, ± 25%, etc. so long as the variance remains within the scope of the disclosure.

Unexpected results may be obtained from each member of a Markush group independent from all other members. Each member may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. The subject matter of all combinations of independent and dependent claims, both singly and multiply dependent, is herein expressly contemplated. The disclosure is illustrative including words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

[00101] It is also to be understood that any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present disclosure independently and collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of the present disclosure, and such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. As just one example, a range "of from 0.1 to 0.9" may be further delineated into a lower third, i.e. from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e. from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e. from 0.7 to 0.9, which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appended claims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language which defines or modifies a range, such as "at least," "greater than," "less than," "no more than," and the like, it is to be understood that such language includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As another example, a range of "at least 10" inherently includes a subrange of from at least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange of from 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a range "of from 1 to 9" includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1, which may be relied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.