Effects of Laser Energy Density on the Selective Laser Melt Printing of CNT-Reinforced Titanium Composites
Abstract
As we progress into the 21st century, the need and desire to operate farther, faster, and for longer durations will require new, lighter materials that can withstand the increased loads. Reinforced metal matrix composites are a promising avenue for achieving this goal. Ti-6Al-4V has been a useful material in the aerospace and medical industries for decades due to its incredible strength-to-weight ratio, and now its suitability for additive manufacturing has made it even more desirable. One of the leading-edge reinforcements being studied for metal matrix composites are carbon nanotubes, due to their remarkable mechanical properties such as strength and elastic modulus. It is desirable to manufacture these materials of the future using modern manufacturing tools, such as additive metal processing. This study investigates the effect of 1 vol. percent carbon nanotube reinforcements on the microstructural evolution and properties of selective laser melt printed Ti64, and the interrelationships with laser energy density, laser power, and lasers can speed. The effectiveness of reinforcement and influence of printing parameters were assessed via microstructural and porosity analysis, and microhardness testing. Utilizing selective laser melting, a greater than 99 percent dense Ti-CNT composite was manufactured with microhardness of 4.75GPa - a 30 percent enhancement over its Ti64 counterpart.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1150917
Entities
People
- Anthony M. Demartino
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School