Recent developments and opportunities in additive manufacturing of titanium-based matrix composites: A review

Abstract

Titanium-based materials are widely used in various areas due to their unique combination of outstanding characteristics. Properties such as stiffness, strength and wear resistance of conventional titanium alloys can be further enhanced through development of titanium-based matrix composites (TMCs). Additive manufacturing (AM) technology provides a promising platform for highly efficient fabrication of complex-shaped titanium parts. Although AM of titanium and titanium alloys are increasingly being investigated, far less attention has been paid to AM of TMCs due to their additional processing complications. This study aims to review the current state-of-the-art in AM of TMCs as well as key aspects and research trends for the design, fabrication, and further development of high-performance TMCs. The review highlights the promising outlook for AM of TMCs. However, it also draws attention to critical aspects that require further investigation such as optimization of the processing parameters and additional understanding of melting/consolidating of matrix and reinforcement for AM of defect-free TMC components.