Hierarchical refinement of nickel-microalloyed titanium during additive manufacturing

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2021.113727
• Publication Date: 2021-01-19T02:31:06Z
• Authors: Zhihui Xiong; Xiaotong Pang; Shilong Liu; Zhuguo Li; R.D.K. Misra
• Keywords: 0205 materials engineering; 02 engineering and technology

Abstract The remarkable microalloying effect of nickel (Ni) on grain refinement and strengthening of selective laser melted titanium alloy is elucidated here. The addition of Ni up to ~0.4 wt.% avoided the formation of brittle eutectoid Ti2Ni phase and an ultrafine and ductile microstructure consisting of nano-size lath α′ was obtained in selective laser melted Ti-0.4Ni alloy. The solid solution strengthening and refinement effect of Ni led to significant increase in strength from ~745 MPa for pure Ti to ~1120 MPa for Ti-0.4Ni alloy, and good elongation of 8.8%. It is underscored that microalloying of titanium alloys with Ni can enhance the properties of titanium alloys processed by additive manufacturing.