Research progress of additive manufacturing technologies for high-temperature resistant ceramic matrix composites

High-temperature resistant ceramic matrix composites (HT-CMCs) have demonstrated immense application potential in aerospace, energy, and other extreme service environments, thanks to their outstanding attributes such as exceptional high-temperature resistance, high strength, low density, and excellent chemical stability. Traditional manufacturing processes are constrained in fabricating HT-CMCs with complex shapes and high performance. In contrast, additive manufacturing (AM) technology has paved a new way for the production of HT-CMCs with intricate structures, leveraging its unique capability of layer-by-layer construction. This technology substantially improves the functional properties and structural efficiency of materials by enabling the direct fabrication of complex internal features, like cooling channels. It also supports performance-oriented precise control and customized production according to specific service requirements, while significantly reducing material waste and effectively cutting down manufacturing costs. This paper focuses on the additive manufacturing technology of HT-CMCs. It introduces the technical principles and current application status of this technology, and places particular emphasis on expounding the latest research advancements both domestically and internationally in material system design, forming technologies, and process optimization for additively manufactured HT-CMCs. Furthermore, this paper sets out the future trends of additive manufacturing for HT-CMCs. In terms of material-process synergy, the focus is on overcoming the bottleneck of interface bonding in multi-material printing and developing composite processes to achieve multi-functional integration and gradient structures. Regarding the construction of intelligent systems, the aim is to establish a “digital control-real-time monitoring-parameter optimization” system and reduce trial-and-error costs through AI-based parameter adjustment. In the realm of modularization and circular manufacturing, the emphasis is on developing interchangeable standardized modules and innovating ceramic waste recycling technologies to enhance material utilization rates. All these endeavors are aimed at promoting its engineering application in cutting-edge fields.