Nanoscale TiC Particle-Reinforced AlSi10Mg Bulk-Form Nanocomposites by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Additive Manufacturing (AM): Tailored Microstructures and Enhanced Properties

Abstract

The nanoscale TiC particle-reinforced AlSi10Mg nanocomposite parts were produced by SLM process. The influence of the SLM processing parameters, especially the “linear laser energy density” (LED), on densification behavior, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties of SLM-processed nanocomposites were studied. Using an insufficient LED lowered the SLM densification due to the balling effect and the formation of residual pores. The nanostructured TiC reinforcement in SLM-processed parts experienced the significant microstructural variation as the applied LED changed. The sufficiently high densification rate combined with the homogeneous incorporation of nanoscale TiC reinforcement throughout the matrix led to the considerably low coefficient of friction (COF) and resultant wear rate. The obtained microhardness and tensile strength were apparently higher than the unreinforced SLM-processed AlSi10Mg part while maintaining the sufficient ductility. Both the insufficient SLM densification response at a relatively low LED and the disappearance of nanoscale reinforcement at a high LED lowered the hardness and wear performance of SLM-processed TiC/AlSi10Mg nanocomposite parts.