Microstructure and Tribocorrosion Properties of Titanium Matrix Nanocomposites Manufactured by Selective Laser Sintering/Melting Method

This work presents an investigation of tribocorrosion properties of titanium matrix composites (TMCs) reinforced with non-oxide ceramic nanoparticles. The evaluated materials were manufactured by selective laser melting technique (SLM). As a matrix titanium and as a reinforcing phase TiC nanoparticles were used. For SLM process the mixtures of the powders composed of 0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 vol % of nanocrysalline titanium carbide (nc-TiC) were prepared. The influence of the reinforcements on the tribocorrosion properties of TMCs manufactured by SLM process was examined. Tribocorrosion “ball on disc” tests in Ringer's solution and under ambient dry conditions were carried out. It was shown that nanocomposite consisted of 20 vol.% of nc-TiC characterized by the best wear and tribocorrosion resistance.