Microstructural Evolution, Mechanical Properties and Tribological Behavior of B(4)C-Reinforced Ti In Situ Composites Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Based on the advantage of rapid net-shape fabrication, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is utilized to process B(4)C-reinforced Ti composites. The effect of volumetric energy density (VED) on the relative density, microstructural evolution, tensile properties and wear behaviors of B(4)C-reinforced Ti composites were systematically investigated. The LPBF-ed samples with high relative density (>99%) can be achieved, while the pores and un-melted powders can be observed in the sample owing to the low energy input (33 J/mm(3)). The additive particulates B(4)C were transformed into needle-like TiB whiskers with nano-scale while C dissolved in the Ti matrix. Fine-scale grains (<10 μm) with random crystallographic orientation can be achieved and the residual stress shows a downtrend as the VED increases. Through the analysis of the tensile and wear tests, the sample at 61 J/mm(3) VED showed a good combination of strength and wear performance, with an ultimate tensile strength of 951 MPa and a wear rate of 3.91 × 10(−4) mm(3)·N(−1)m(−1). The microstructural evolution in VED changes and the corresponding underlying strengthening mechanisms of LPBF-ed Ti + B(4)C composites are conducted in detail.