Icosahedral structure influence on the microstructural and mechanical properties of laser additive manufactured (LAM) titanium alloy grade 5

Additive manufacturing technique has become one of the more prominent manufacturing techniques over the years. The applications of this manufacturing technique are boundless as new process parameters of the operation affects the new structure of the components and gives extended applications. Researchers need to be intentional about A.M. technology before it can have extended applications in aerospace, medical and shipping industries. These composites were engineered from the deposition of enhanced materials (Al-Cu-Ti) in powdered form on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4 V), by investigating the implications, impacts and effects of the selected parameters for LMD operation on the metallurgical and mechanical properties present on the enhanced coated surface of the composite. The microstructural evolution and defects were investigated at a much higher magnification using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), supported by Energy Dispersive Microscopy (EDS) and optical microscopy (OPM). The Microhardness of the samples (composites) were investigated using a Vickers hardness tester and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed on the fabricated composites. The measurements of the hardness decrease with a higher laser power with a value of 1000 W and a lower scanning speed of 0.8 m/min. Hence, an increased scanning speed with a value of 1.0 m/min and lower laser power with a value of 900 W produced the enhanced hardness hybrid coatings (1117.2 HV1.0).