Microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-WC decorated AlSi10Mg composite produced by selective laser melting: effect of heat treatment

Abstract

Nano-WC and AlSi10Mg composite powder were fabricated by gas-atomised for selective laser melting (SLM). Here, the influence of the heat treatment conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of WC/AlSi10Mg produced by SLM were investigated, and the mechanisms of microstructure evolution were elucidated. Al substrates are oversaturated, and the solid solubility decreases due to increased annealing temperature. Si particles precipitate from the Al matrix. The mechanical properties of the sample are predominantly governed by the Si particle size. The addition of a small amount of (0.1 wt.%) WC results in tensile strength of 515 MPa in the as-deposited specimen, in comparison with other papers, it was found that significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the specimen. The results of this study show that adding a small amount of WC and the heat treatment are effective in enhancing the mechanical properties of SLM produced AlSi10Mg samples.