Complex ceramic-polymer composite microparts made by microstereolithography

In this paper we deal with the use of microstereolithography (/spl mu/SL) to produce solid freeform objects from computer-assisted-design files. The /spl mu/SL process is derived from stereolithography, and it is based on the photopolymerization through a dynamic mask generator of successive layers of photocurable resin, which permits us to produce accurate micro-objects with high aspect ratio and curved surfaces (due to the layer-by-layer nature of the process). This technology is extended to the manufacture of ceramic-polymer composite parts. To achieve this, we add dispersed alumina powder (at a volumic percentage of 24%) and a visible photoinitiator to a low viscosity diacrylate resin. The objects we made present interesting properties for microrobotic or microfluidic applications.