Abstract:
Mechanical metamaterials (MMMs) have been considered a strategic option for lightweight and energy absorption components. However, the spatial design of MMMs needs to be materialized by a precise control of the materials allocation and accurate replication of internal architectures.  Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have allowed to unleash unconventional designs for MMMs. Digital Light Processing (DLP) is one of the AM technologies used for ceramics fabrication, relying on the photopolymerization of a ceramic-loaded resin. DLP high geometrical and dimensional accuracy allows the fabrication of ceramic cellular structures that can be combined with metal alloys to give rise to MMMs owing tailored mechanical properties.
In this study different Al2O3 structures were manufactured by DLP and used for obtaining AlSi12Fe-Al2O3 metal-ceramic metamaterials by using a pressure assisted casting technology. Ceramic and metal-ceramic parts were analyzed regarding their morphology, geometry and dimensions, density, surface quality and mechanically characterized via compression tests.

Acknowledgments: This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020 & LA/P/0006/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC).
G. Miranda acknowledges Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through the project PTDC/EME-EME/1442/2020 (Add2MechBio).