Ti6Al7Nb-based TiB-reinforced composites by selective laser melting

The alloy Ti6Al7Nb with the in situ reinforcement of TiB has been processed by selective laser melting (SLM). Premixed Ti6Al7Nb-xTiB(2) powders were used for the powder bed. The microstructure of the Ti6Al7Nb alloy was characterized by martensite (alpha'), while the addition of TiB2 led to a bimodal microstructure with refined features as a result of in situ formation of fine TiB phase. A prismatic < 11 0 > vertical bar vertical bar BD fiber texture was evident in all samples, though the texture formation was found to be affected by the change in the phase transformation pathway due to the formation of TiB. Higher hardness and yield strength (YS) in the composites as compared to the base material are attained. The examination of corrosion response revealed a lower corrosion current (I-corr) value for all the specimens in simulated body fluid (SBF) in comparison to Ti6Al4V alloy. The improved mechanical behavior and better corrosion resistance indicate the potential of SLM-processed Ti6Al7Nb/TiB composite as a suitable replacement for Ti6Al4V alloys for bio- implants.