Novel Ti-Based Nanocomposites by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Additive Manufacturing (AM): Tailored Nanostructure and Performance

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing (AM) process was used to produce nanocrystalline TiC-reinforced Ti matrix bulk-form nanocomposites. The influences of laser energy density on densification activity, microstructural feature, nanohardness, and wear behavior of SLM-processed parts were comprehensibly studied to improve the controllability SLM process of nanomaterials. The TiC reinforcement in SLM-processed nanocomposites typically had a unique nanoscale lamellar structure, which was distinctly different from the initial particulate morphology before SLM. Reasonable physical mechanisms and conditions for the formation of TiC nanostructure reinforcing phase during SLM process were proposed. The microstructural and mechanical properties of SLM-processed TiC/Ti nanocomposite parts were sensitive to the preparation method of the starting nanocomposite powder and the content of TiC nanoparticles. The optimally processed TiC/Ti nanocomposite parts by SLM demonstrated the significantly elevated microhardness and wear performance as relative to the unreinforced Ti parts.