Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiC-Reinforced 316L Stainless Steel Composites Fabricated Using Selective Laser Melting

Abstract

TiC/316L stainless steel (316Lss) metal matrix composite parts have been formed using selective laser melting (SLM). In this study, we have investigated the influence of the TiC mass fraction on the microstructure evolution, microhardness, friction properties, wear properties, and corrosion resistance of the TiC/316Lss composites. The results show that the microhardness increased by the addition of the TiC mass fraction. In terms of friction and wear properties, the corrosion resistance initially increased, and then decreased. Compared with the pure 316Lss (298.3 HV0.2), the microhardness of the TiC/316Lss composites, which were formed with 2 wt% TiC, was raised to 335.2 HV0.2, which was a 12.4% increase, while the average friction coefficient was 0.123. The reason for this is that the addition of TiC can effectively refine the cell size, and as the TiC content increases, the refinement effect is more obvious. During the melting process, TiC particles act as nucleation centres, hindering the growth of crystal cells, promoting the formation of the austenite phase, and forming fine equiaxed structures, which increases the strength. However, excessive TiC particles aggravate the spheroidisation during the process of SLM, leading to increased defects, as well as a decrease in density and corrosion resistance.