Method of producing high-temperature parts by way of low-temperature sintering

A method of producing high temperature parts by way of relatively low temperature sintering is disclosed. A powder is produced, for example by spray drying a slurry, in which particles of a high temperature material such as a ceramic are partially coated with a low temperature material such as a polymer. The powder is subjected to selective laser sintering, or another heat-based layerwise additive process, to form a green part where the ceramic particles are bound by the polymer. The green part is permeated with a cementing agent having high temperature properties when cured; the cementing agent binds the exposed ceramic surfaces in the green part. The polymer is then removed, leaving the high temperature part. Additional cementing agent, or another high temperature material, may then be added to the part after removal of the polymer.Board of Regents, University of Texas Syste