Advantages of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process over conventional processing methods include microstructural control capability and complex geometry parts fabrication. For most alloys, the microstructure–property relationship typically guides the LPBF process toward achieving application‐specific properties. Nonetheless, the LPBF process produces a high degree of anisotropy, primarily from the epitaxial preferred grain growth mechanisms during solidification and the consequent highly textured microstructures produced. The crystallographic texture‐controlled build concept through the LPBF process is a material design and processing approach gaining a lot of interest because of the promising unique and superior properties offered by the anisotropy accompanying the LPBF process. The numerous attempts at intentional texture‐controlled building or parts fabrication from structural materials using the LPBF process warrant an up‐to‐date review. Thus, this review presents solidification mechanisms that influence texture evolution during the LPBF process such as the melting mode, melt pool shape, influence of thermal gradient, and solidification rate. Furthermore, this review delves into the influence of LPBF process parameters on texture, accompanying microstructural evolution, and the intentional control of texture effects on properties such as mechanical, corrosion, and oxidation resistance.
1 January 2024 in Smart Materials in Manufacturing
Phase equilibrium of Nb–Si–X ternary alloys (X = Zr, Ta, Al) was predicted by thermodynamic calculations. Microstructure characterization and phase identification have been performed to investigate the phase equilibrium and validate the prediction. High-temperature compression tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties. All alloys exhibited ssNb, Nb5Si3, and Nb3Si phases. Zr addition increased strength at both room and elevated temperatures. The alloy with large primary silicide islands exhibited a higher 0.2 pct proof stress.
The exceptional mechanical properties of Ni-based high entropy alloys are due to the presence of ordered L12 (γ′) precipitates embedded within a disordered matrix phase. While the strengthening contribution of the γ′ phase is generally accepted, there is no consensus on the precise contribution of the individual strengthening mechanisms to the overall strength. In addition, changes in alloy composition influence several different mechanisms, making the assessment of alloying conditions complex. Multicomponent L12-ordered single-phase alloys were systematically developed with the aid of CALPHAD thermodynamic calculations. The alloying elements Co, Cr, Ti, and Nb were chosen to complexify the Ni3Al structure. The existence of the γ′ single phase was validated by microstructure characterization and phase identification. A high-temperature compression test from 500 °C to 1000 °C revealed a positive temperature dependence of strength before reaching the peak strength in the studied alloys NiCoCrAl, NiCoCrAlTi, and NiCoCrAlNb. Ti and Nb alloying addition significantly enhanced the high-temperature yield strengths before the peak temperature. The yield strength was modeled by summing the individual effects of solid solution strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, order strengthening, and cross-slip-induced strengthening. Cross-slip-induced strengthening was shown to be the key contributor to the high-temperature strength enhancement.