Exploring the feasibility of preparing Ti/Ti6Al4V composites by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract Ti-based alloys and composites are advanced lightweight materials that are indispensable for many critical applications. This study presents a novel strategy of fabricating laminated plates by printing Ti6Al4V on the surface of pure Ti substrate to obtain a composite structure combining coarse equiaxial and fine acicular grains. The molten pool layer is well bonded to the substrate surface and the chemical composition is rather uniform, due to melting of the substrate surface together with the powders and subsequent solidification. These findings provide a new path for material design, which will broaden the alternatives of structural materials applied in extreme service enviroment.