Creation of an aluminum matrix composite with a core-shell carbide reinforcing phase with improved strength characteristics using selective laser sintering

Abstract

The development of methods for printing metal matrix composites with a ceramic reinforcing phase is an urgent task in materials science. The production of new MMCs with dispersed filling in additive technology facesproblems that are difficult to solve within the hardware framework of the method. Our research group proposed the approach to the production of MMCs using ceramic-metal core-shell particles, with a matrix soluble shell. It makes possible to develop a universal sequence of synthetic steps used to introduce reinforcing ceramic particles into an Al matrix. The introduction of metal-layer coated ceramic particles into the metal matrix allows maximal contact during sintering between the matrix and the reinforcing phase due to improved phases wettability. As a result, a technique was developed for printing a composite using selective laser melting based on an Al powder matrix (50 µm) and reinforcing core-shell carbide particles (TiC/Ni) with varying reinforcement degrees and improved strength characteristics.