Network-Architectured DRTMCs via DED: Achieving Strength–Ductility Synergy through In-Situ Nano-Reinforcement
Discontinuously reinforced titanium matrix composites (DRTMCs) are gaining traction due to their impressive strength-ductility synergy, yet traditional fabrication routes suffer from scalability limits imposed by matrix powder size and inconsistent reinforcement distribution. Additive manufacturing, particularly directed energy deposition (DED), offers a promising solution but often struggles to balance strength and ductility. This study addresses these challenges by developing in-situ nano-reinforced DRTMCs with a quasi-continuous network architecture, fabricated using pure Ti and LaB₆ as starting materials. The objective is to enhance microstructural control, refine grains, and achieve superior mechanical performance.
In-Situ Formation of Nano-Sized Reinforcements
The integration of LaB₆ during DED processing enables the in-situ formation of nano-sized TiB and La₂O₃ reinforcements. These particles serve as potent nucleation and strengthening agents, promoting the development of ultrafine reinforcement networks throughout the titanium matrix. The study highlights how controlled reinforcement generation at the nanoscale contributes to tailored composite architectures, allowing a transition from random particle dispersion at low LaB₆ contents to a quasi-continuous network at higher concentrations.
Evolution of Network Architecture with Reinforcement Content
At low reinforcement content (0.15 wt% LaB₆), the microstructure exhibits randomly dispersed reinforcing particles within the Ti matrix. As LaB₆ content increases (0.30–1.00 wt%), these particles reorganize into a quasi-continuous network structure, significantly modifying the composite’s internal architecture. This transformation is crucial, as the network configuration enhances load transfer efficiency, improves stress distribution, and contributes to overall mechanical performance without destabilizing the ductility of the material.
Grain Refinement and Texture Modification in α-Ti
The development of the network architecture directly influences the α-Ti grain structure, leading to substantial refinement—from an average grain size of 22.8 μm down to 5.8 μm. Alongside this refinement, the composite experiences a marked reduction in texture intensity, resulting in a more isotropic microstructural environment. This dual effect strengthens the mechanical response by enhancing grain-boundary-mediated deformation and reducing anisotropic mechanical behavior typically observed in additively manufactured titanium alloys.
Mechanical Behavior and Strength–Ductility Synergy
Tensile evaluations reveal that the network-architectured DRTMCs achieve a robust strengthening effect attributed to the combined roles of nano-reinforcements, grain refinement, and improved load transfer pathways. Importantly, this strengthening does not severely compromise ductility—a common limitation of heavily reinforced composites. The materials demonstrate a balanced mechanical profile, validating the designed network architecture as an effective strategy for maintaining ductility while substantially elevating strength.
Implications for Additive Manufacturing and Composite Design
This work presents a scalable and effective pathway for designing next-generation titanium matrix composites using additive manufacturing. By leveraging in-situ nano-reinforcement mechanisms and controlled microstructural evolution, the study underscores the potential of DED to produce architectured composites with optimized mechanical properties. The insights gained here offer a blueprint for future material systems that require enhanced performance without sacrificing manufacturability or structural integrity.
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