Metal Matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) have been used more and more in the automotive, aerospace and other industries due to their advantages of high strength, high thermal stability, high ductility, and isotropy. However, despite the superior performance and growing demand of metal-based nanocomposites, their complex processing and insufficient economic benefits limit the application of metal-based nanocomposites. Among these materials, high energy consumption is still necessary for dispersion enhancement to achieve microstructure uniformity and advanced mechanical properties.
Selective laser melting (SLM), also known as laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), is an additive manufacturing (AM) technology applied to metals and ceramics. It has shown great potential in manufacturing unique structures and properties such as metal-based nanocomposites. Using high-power lasers, selective laser melting can quickly produce three-dimensional (3-D) parts with complex shapes directly from powder materials without the time-consuming mold design process. This reduces production costs and delivery times while providing customized metal-maatrix nanocomposite components for the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical industries.
However, due to the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the defects specific to selective laser melting and the manufacturing and performance of nanocomposite materials using selective laser melting, researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and their research collaborators began to fully understand scientific and technical knowledge. The researchers reviewed the current research status at home and abroad from the perspective of materials and selective laser melting process parameters. Their research results were published in the journal Progress In Material Science, which published an authoritative review of the latest progress in materials science . The manufacturing and research related to nanocomposite materials are also deeply analyzed.
Including materials and selective laser melting process parameters, it emphasizes physical properties and powder preparation. After that, the mechanical properties and corresponding enhancement mechanisms of metal-based nanocomposites were studied to deepen the understanding of metal-based nanocomposites. Metal-based nanocomposites have always been of great interest to material scientists. With the advancement of advanced manufacturing, especially additive manufacturing, there is now greater potential for achieving high-quality metal-based nanocomposites. Professor Chua Chee Kai, principal investigator and co-author from SUTD, explained: In the study, laser powder bed fusion was selected as the key process because it has proven its ability to manufacture functional parts from metals and ceramics.
The study also discussed the specific defects associated with the selective laser melting technology of nanoparticles. It also lists the applications of metal-based nanocomposites, especially metal-based nanocomposites prepared by selective laser melting, and compares them. Dr. Sing Swee Leong from Nanyang Technological University said: One of the key challenges facing AM is the lack of 'printable' materials. It is believed that this comprehensive study provides a timely basis for the metal base by focusing on the advantages without ignoring the limitations. The overview and understanding of selective laser melting of nanocomposites is expected to encourage more researchers to explore this very interesting field.