Development of TiN particulates reinforced SS316 based metal matrix composite by direct metal laser sintering technique and its characterization. (1st December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hussain, Manowar; Mandal, Vijay; Kumar, Vikas; Das, A.K.; Ghosh, S.K.
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 97(2017)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2017-12-01
• Subjects: Laser power density -- DMLS -- MMCs -- Sintering -- Microstructure -- TiN -- Interface zone; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2017.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Highlights: TiN reinforced SS316 MMC was fabricated successfully using direct metal laser sintering process. Nitrogen atmosphere and presence of chromium in SS316, contributed for good metallurgical bond between TiN and SS316. The sintering behavior with different weight % of TiN in SS316 was studied. Microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties were discussed. Phase evolution with variation in laser power during sintering process was investigated. Abstract: The present study describes the fabrication of TiN particulates reinforced SS316 based Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) in nitrogen and argon atmosphere. The influence of sintering process parameters on microstructure, density, porosity, wear rate and microhardness of the fabricated samples has been analyzed. The input variable process parameters, such as, laser power density (range: 4.13–5.57 W/cm 2 (× 10 4 )), scanning speed (range: 3500–4500 mm/min) and the constant parameters, such as, laser beam diameter (0.4 mm), hatching distance (0.2 mm) and layer thickness (0.4 mm) have been considered in the process. It has been observed from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis that TiN and SS316 powder mixture can be sintered in which chromium acts as a binder. Fine gaps are not found at the interface between TiN and SS316 when the mixture is sintered in nitrogen atmosphere. With an increase in the percentage of TiN, the density and wear rate decreases. However, when the reinforcement is taken beyond 18% by weight, the wear rate starts increasing. The microhardness also increases with an increase in the percentage of TiN. The microstructure, elemental compositions and phase characterization of the developed sintered MMCs have been examined by FESEM, EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffractometer) analysis, respectively. The results have demonstrated the suitability of the TiN reinforced SS316 MMCs for industrial applications.