Over the past few years, additive manufacturing (AM) has garnered significant attention worldwide for its potential to fabricate a wide range of materials. Among the various printing processes, Vat Polymerization is a prominent technique that relies on photopolymerization to cure phot-resins with dispersed ceramic particles. Here we combine photopolymerization and sol-gel processes to form ceramic objects while the printing composition contains no particles. The sol-gel process involves the conversion of soluble precursors into a colloidal solution (sol), enabling the formation of ceramic materials without the problems associated with the presence of particles, such as sedimentation and light scattering.

The primary focus of this research is the fabrication of alumina-based materials (Al₂O₃) using new compositions based on the combination of photopolymerization and sol-gel processes. Alumina holds great significance in a wide array of applications, including optical devices, laser components, and mechanical parts. Within this context, we will present the printing of γ-alumina as a model system.

The research has led to the fabrication of complex structures of γ-alumina, characterized by a surface area of 1842 m²/g and optical transmission of ~80% at 600 nm.