New research shows that aluminum-based composites can increase the strength of titanium alloys and be used in the aerospace industry.
A research team at the National University of Science and Technology may have found a way to double the strength of 3D printed aluminum powder composites.
Titanium is about six times stronger than aluminum, which is why it is often used to make heavy metal-based materials. Researchers have long been looking for a way to replace titanium with aluminum because it is 1.7 times denser than aluminum. Aluminum is considered an alternative because it is lightweight, has a density of 2700 kg / m3, and an elastic modulus of about 70 MPa, making it suitable for 3D printing. If the aluminum produced by 3D printing has the strength of titanium, it can be replaced.
To strengthen aluminum, researchers have developed a new type of composite that can maintain its light weight while significantly increasing its strength. This was achieved by developing new modified precursors based on 3D printing of nitrides and aluminas obtained by combustion.
Alexander Gromov, head of the research institute, said in a statement: "We have developed a technology for 3D printing to obtain reinforced aluminum-based composites, and we have obtained innovative precursor modifiers by burning aluminum powder. -Nitrides and aluminum oxides- are formed between transition nanolayers specifically for sintering branched surfaces. "
Alexander Gromov said that the special nature and structure of the surface can make the particles firmly adhere to the aluminum matrix, thereby doubling the strength of the resulting composite. For the past two decades, forming has been considered the only cost-effective way to make bulk products. However, researchers believe that 3D printing technology may be more effective in producing metals. Additive technology allows 3D printers to create more difficult forms and designs at a lower cost, with theoretical advantages.
The main technologies currently used for printing metals are selective laser melting (SLM) and selective laser sintering (PDC), both of which involve stepwise layering of metal powder inks, layers and layers to create a given volume Illustration. Both technologies are based on additive manufacturing of powder materials that are sintered layer by layer, using laser beams up to 500 watts. Researchers are currently testing prototypes.