Title: Additive manufacture of TiB₂/Ti-6Al-4V metal matrix composite by selective laser melting

Authors: P.K. Farayibi; T.E. Abioye

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria ' Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract: In this study, a new material combination is evaluated for use with selective laser melting (SLM) methods of additive manufacturing. A 10 wt.% fine TiB² powder was satellited onto the surface of a 90 wt.% Ti-6Al-4V powder to prevent segregations and promote homogeneity during processing. Solid structures of TiB²/Ti-6Al-4V were built using SLM Realiser 50 machine. Thereafter, the built structures were subjected to microstructural examination using optical and scanning electron microscopies. The hardness of the structure was determined using Vickers hardness tester. Results revealed that there was a reactive decomposition of the TiB² powder which led to the formation of short (length ≤ 10 μm) and long (20-25 μm) TiB whiskers as reinforcements in the composites. The composite hardness was measured to vary from 440-503 HV0.3, signifying 30% increase when compared to Ti-6Al-4V hardness (350 HV0.3). Hence, processing satellited feedstock via SLM is promising for future product development.

Keywords: selective laser melting; SLM; additive manufacture; hardness; microstructure; composite; reinforcement; TiB; Ti-6Al-4V; TiB₂; whiskers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2019.100514

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2019 Vol.8 No.3, pp.259 - 270

Received: 08 Mar 2018
Accepted: 21 Aug 2018
Published online: 29 Jun 2019 *

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