| abstract |
A precursor material is provided for additive manufacturing of a low-density, high-porosity ceramic part. The precursor material comprises a body of refractory fibers and a binder in admixture with the body of refractory fibers. The precursor material further comprises a viscosity control additive in admixture with the binder and the body of refractory fibers to provide an overall mixture with a viscosity between about 0.3 centipoise and about 150,000 centipoise. The overall mixture can be extruded through a nozzle to manufacture the low-density, high porosity ceramic part. The precursor material is produced by obtaining a refractory fiber slurry, and adding a viscosity control additive to the slurry to provide the slurry with a viscosity that is suitable for extrusion through a nozzle to manufacture a low-density, high-porosity ceramic part. |