Production and characterization of Ti6Al4V/CaP nanocomposite powder for powder-based additive manufacturing systems

Ti64/CaP nanocomposite powder was fabricated and characterized for use in powder-bed 3D printing. The microstructure and phase composition, morphology, particle size distribution, sphericity, flow behavior and dispersion of the as-fabricated particles on the building plate of the 3D printer were investigated. The results confirmed a uniform distribution of nanostructured calcium phosphate particles on the surface of primary Ti64 ones. Calcium phosphate appears as an octa-calcium phosphate phase. The morphology of the particles was shown as spherical, and their sphericity was better than the as-received Ti64 particles. The particle size distribution of nanocomposite powder indicated a smaller amount than the as-received Ti64 particles. Additionally, the flow behavior was improved compared to the as-received Ti64 and delivered an optimal dispersion on the building platform. Ultimately, Ti64/CaP nanocomposite powder has a very homogeneous and uniform microstructure and bears a proper flow behavior for use in powder-bed additive manufacturing machines. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.