Niobium carbide reinforced‐Ti6Al4V composites via directed energy deposition

Abstract Directed energy deposition (DED) was used to produce niobium carbide (NbC)‐reinforced Ti6Al4V (Ti64) metal–matrix‐composite (MMC) structures. The objective improve upon Ti64's wear and oxidation resistance. characterization techniques consisted of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), backscattered (BSE) imaging, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric (TGA), Vickers micro‐ nanoindentation‐derived hardness, as well tribological testing at varying normal loads. DED produced compositions were Ti64, Ti64 + 5 wt.% NbC (5NbC), 10 (10NbC). Electron micrographs revealed crack‐ delamination‐free Tribological a 25.1% reduction in specific rate. XRD EDS results indicated the presence Ti‐Nb solid solution. It deduced that particles coupled with solution aided increasing resistance plastic shear superficial microstructure remained unchanged compared pure Ti64. Additionally, TGA displayed total mass gain suppressed kinetics parabolic behavior increased NbC. Application‐based composite structures site‐specific mechanical properties fabricated form cylinder, gear compositionally graded cylinder. cylinder 0%–45%NbC presence—end‐to‐end—equating hardness increase from 161.6 ± 4.0HV 0.2 1055.9 157.4HV .