Study of the structure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V/B<sub>4</sub>C composite using synchrotron X-ray

BACKGROUND: The development of metal-ceramic materials is a complex task, where phase structure control is key to achieving the required physical and mechanical properties. The study investigates the effects of substrate pre-heating temperature on the structural-phase composition and microhardness of titanium matrix composites manufactured by direct laser deposition. The main issue in the manufacturing of metal-ceramic composites is hot cracking. Substrate preheating is a promising approach to reduce thermal stresses and minimize defects such as cracks and pores. The development of defect-free metal-ceramic composite manufacturing processes is of particular importance for the aircraft and aerospace industries. AIM: To experimentally investigate the effect of the substrate preheating module on the phase composition, microstructure and microhardness of Ti-6Al-4V/B₄C metal-ceramic composite manufactured by direct laser deposition. Based on a comprehensive analysis, to show that substrate heating may be effectively used to make metal-ceramic coatings free of cracks and pores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To manufacture composite materials, the direct laser deposition method is used with a substrate preheating module. To fully investigate this phenomenon, synchrotron X-ray is used along with conventional microstructure diagnostic techniques. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of the microstructure, phase analysis and microhardness distribution did not reveal any significant changes during substrate pre-heating. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental data allows to conclude that substrate pre-heating can be used as a version of the direct laser deposition method. Pre-heating contributes to manufacturing defect-free composites in a wide range of laser exposure modes.