Direct laser fabrication of Ti6Al4V/TiB

Ti6Al4V/TiB discontinuously reinforced composites have been fabricated using direct laser fabrication by injection of pre-mixed powders of TiB2 and Ti6Al4V. The microstructures have been characterised by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and by X-ray diffraction which show that TiB is formed during laser fabrication. The room temperature tensile properties, including Young's modulus of the composites, have been measured and their tribological properties assessed using a sliding wear test. It has been found that the modulus, the yield and ultimate strength of Ti6Al4V are increased by the TiB and that the ductility is decreased. The wear resistance is significantly improved by the borides. Post-heat treatment or HIPping improve the ductility. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.