Additive manufacturing by L-DED of functionally graded Ti-beta alloys

• Grant number: 21/07195-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2022
• End date: November 10, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Processes
• Principal Investigator: Reginaldo Teixeira Coelho
• Grantee: Danielle Cristina Camilo Magalhães
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/11309-0 - The study, development and application of a hybrid process: Additive Manufacturing (AM) plus High Speed Machining/Grinding (HSM/G), AP.TEM

Abstract

Industrial evolution has been remarkable since the 19th century, being currently in its fourth revolution, the so-called Industry 4.0. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is its pillar for manufacturing, in contrast to conventional materials subtraction processes. AM has an enormous capability to produce parts of complex geometries using a variety of metals and alloys, primarily in vehicle weight reduction applications, rocket propulsion systems and bio-inspired materials. For these applications, the materials must be special alloys with functionally gradient, both in chemical composition and density. Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) created a new materials' class, in which it is possible to tailor site-specific composition and, consequently, site-specific properties, in order to meet different demands. Thus, the AM processes, in particular Laser Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) technology, presents itself as a real possibility for FGM manufacturing in semi-finished parts. The challenges in this development reside in the deposition parameters control to obtain an adequate microstructure. This postdoctoral project aims to study L-DED technology to produce FGM with site-specific composition. In this investigation, it was chosen Ti-15Mo-5Mn and Ti-35Nb-4Sn alloys, due to their set of mechanical, chemical and biological properties, which make them compatible with the use in orthopedic implants. The activities planned for 24 months include experiments to powders' characterization, determination of processing parameters of L-DED to obtain in situ alloys, study of microstructure and mechanical behavior. Thus, the development of new materials containing gradient structures manufactured by L-DED may constitute one of the great innovations for materials applications in different areas, including a biomedical one. (AU)