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In the present study, friction stir processing (FSP) was carried out on as-cast Mg-Zn-Dy alloy to tailor grain size and texture which alter the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour. The grain size of the as-cast alloy was reduced from 60 ± 2 µm to 3 ± 0.1 µm after FSP due to dynamic recrystallization. The effect of grain size, crystallographic orientation and fine precipitates on mechanical properties were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD). The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, % elongation and hardness of FSPed alloy improved by 55%, 60%, 53% and 46% when compared to as-cast alloy. The FSPed Mg-Zn-Dy alloy exhibited a 79% decrease in corrosion rate when compared to as-cast alloy which can be attributed to grain refinement, uniform distribution of secondary precipitates and strong basal texture. The surface of FSPed sample after immersion corrosion exhibited calcium phosphate rich minerals which help in apatite formation on the sample surface. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT assay revealed more than 80% cell viability for both as-cast and FSPed alloy illustrating non-toxic nature of both the samples. The results of this study indicate that FSPed Mg-Zn-Dy alloy is a potential material for biodegradable implants due to its high strength, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are gaining more attention in recent times as biodegradable materials. However, two major problems with Mg alloy implants are bacterial infections and poor corrosion resistance. In this context, a composite surface (Mg–Zn–Dy–Al2O3/HA) is developed using surface modification techniques. First, Al2O3 + HA composite powder is coated on Mg–Zn–Dy alloy to attain coated surface (C-AHa). Next, the C-AHa surface is subjected to friction stir processing to develop composite surface (F-AHa). Microstructural characterization reveals that, the Al2O3 + HA particles were distributed evenly into the Mg–Zn–Dy substrate. Antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reveal low adhesion of bacteria on the F-AHa sample surface due to low surface energy (37.83 ± 0.22 mN/m) and low surface roughness (0.36 ± 0.1 µm). Further, the cytotoxicity tests confirm that the F-AHa sample shows significant improvement in cell viability (98%) after 7 days and non-toxic against the mouse osteoblast cells. In Vitro corrosion study observations demonstrate that the corrosion rate for the F-AHa sample is decreased by 72% compared to the C-AHa sample. Thus, the results of this study for the fabricated composites are promising for antimicrobial, biocompatible and bioabsorbable temporary implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to improve the performance of magnesium (Mg) for resorbable implant applications, Mg-1Zn-2Dy alloy was developed and the surface of the alloy has been modified by melting using lasers. Laser melted samples, at different laser energy density, were then subjected to microstructural, hardness, wettability and in-vitro degradation assessment. The microstructure of the Mg-Zn-Dy alloy mainly consisted of α-Mg and eutectic phase (Mg 8 ZnDy). The melted region of the alloy surface evolved with fine grain microstructure at the near surface region and columnar grains near to the liquid solid substrate. The degree of grain size refinement obtained at the melted zone in the order of 1–2 μm. The cross sectional microhardness of the modified zone was measured by Vickers microhardness tester. Due to these microstructural refinements and solid solution strengthening the surface hardness of laser treated alloy increased by two-fold. It was found that as the energy density increased the surface roughness along with the surface energy also increased. The wetting behaviour of the surface was estimated through measuring the contact angle by dropping the polar and non-polar liquid. Results showed that the surface energy is also found to change with LSM due to changes in the surface morphology, microstructure and chemical composition of the material. The detailed degradation study was carried out by immersing the samples in hanks balances salt solution (HBSS).The improvement in the degradation behaviour followed by laser surface melting is related to the microstructural refinement as a result of rapid heating and cooling of the melted zone. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Mg-Zn-Dy alloy surface was modified by laser surface melting. • Microstructural refinement and improved hardness were observed in the laser surface melted region. • Improved wettability in laser surface melting is attributed to the changes in the surface roughness and grain size. • A significant improvement in degradation rate was achieved in the laser surface melted alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Current work reports on the development of A357 alloy composite which is reinforced with dual size SiC particles by stir casting route. Influence of different weight fractions (3% coarse+ 3% fine, 4% coarse + 2% fine, and 2% coarse + 4% fine) of dual size SiC particles on mechanical properties and wear resistance of A357 composites is the focus of this work. Hardness and tensile properties were studied for dual size composites and then were compared with A357 alloy. Microstructural study, fractured surface and worn surface investigation were carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopes respectively. Microstructural analysis showed fairly uniform dispersion of dual size SiC particles in A357 matrix with good interfacial bonding. Compared to A357 alloy, the composites showed improvement in hardness, yield, and tensile strength. In particular, composite with 4 wt. % of fine and 2 wt. % of large SiC particles displayed the highest tensile strength while composite with 4 wt. % of large and 2 wt. % of fine SiC particles exhibited high hardness and wear resistance among A357 alloy and dual particle size composites. The strengthening mechanisms that contributed to improvement in strength values were effective load transfer and dislocation strengthening due to thermal mismatch. Highlights • Uniform dispersion of dual size SiC particles in A357 matrix. • Continuous interface and good bonding between A357 matrix and dual size SiC particles. • Significant improvement in hardness and mechanical properties of dual size composites compared to A357 alloy. • Improvement in wear resistance of dual size composites compared to A357 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium and its alloys remain perilous in the framework of light weighting and advanced devices structure such as rockets and satellites. However, the utilization of Magnesium (Mg) is increasing every year, revealing growing demands in manufacturing industries. Manufacturing of Mg components is challenging because of their HCP crystal structure and limited ductility. In this context, additive manufacturing (AM) provides the flexibility to manufacture complex shape components with excellent dimensional stability. It also provides a new possibility for utilizing novel component structures that increase the applications for Mg alloy. This review herein pursues to holistically explore the additive manufacturing of Mg alloy with a synopsis of processes used and microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviour and postprocessing of AMed Mg alloy. The challenges and future scope of AMed Mg alloys are critically explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium based bulk metallic glasses have attracted significant attention of researchers due to better mechanical and corrosion properties when compared to their crystalline counterparts especially for biomedical applications. Scaling up the part size and production volumes of such materials through liquid metallurgy route is challenging. In this work amorphous Ca 5 Mg 60+ x Zn 35− x ( X = 0, 3 and 7) alloys have been successfully synthesized through solid state amorphization using a high energy planetary ball mill. X-ray diffraction was used to identify the crystalline phases of the powder during reaction. Evolution of amorphous phase was analysed using a parameter involving the ratio of integral area of peaks to the integral area of background ( I PB ) obtained from XRD patterns. Results showed reaction time increases with decreasing Zn content in Ca 5 Mg 60+ x Zn 35− x ( X = 0, 3 and 7) alloy to obtain maximum amorphous structure with a small amount of residual crystalline phase. Prolonged milling of these powders, to eliminate residual crystalline phases, resulted in the nucleation of Mg 102.08 Zn 39.6 phase. The composition dependent characteristic temperatures and thermal stabilities were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HDPE/BAG composite feedstock are developed for fused filament fabrication. • Composites show significant strain rate sensitivity under quasi-static conditions. • Compressive modulus and yield strength increase with BAG and strain rate. • All samples exhibit shear-barreling without brittle failure till unloading. • Absorbed energy is dissipated via formation of wrinkles, voids and fibrils. Compressive behavior of additively manufactured bioactive glass (BAG) reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites under quasi static conditions (0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 s−1 strain rates) is investigated in this work. HDPE feedstock filaments with 5, 10 and 20 wt% of bioactive glass are extruded for fused filament fabrication (FFF) based 3D printing (3DP). Compressive properties are extracted from the stress–strain plots. Elastic modulus and yield strength of the samples increase with filler addition and strain rate. Energy absorption increases with increase in strain rate and BAG content. All the samples exhibit homogeneous ductile deformation with distinct barrelling effect without any visible cracks. Deformation and energy absorption behavior of the tested samples are investigated using micrography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A number of laser and electron beam-based fabrication processes are under consideration for aerospace components, where the ability to obtain a consistent and desirable microstructure and resulting mechanical properties is of critical concern. To this end, this work employs a combination of analytical and numerical modeling approaches to investigate the effects of process variables and size-scale on solidification microstructure (grain size and morphology) in beam-based fabrication of bulky 3D structures. Thermal process maps are developed for predicting solidification microstructure in any material system, and results are plotted on solidification maps to investigate trends in grain size and morphology in Ti–6Al–4V. The results of this work suggest that changes in process variables (beam power and velocity) can result in a grading of the microstructure throughout the depth of the deposit, with a transition from columnar to mixed or equiaxed microstructure at higher powers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bioactive glasses (BAG) are renowned for their unique ability to bond with tissues and therefore are used extensively for bone repair and functional recovery. In this work, high density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with BAG is processed using material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM) for potential orthopaedic applications. The constituents are melt compounded by varying BAG proportions (5, 10, and 20 wt %) and subsequently extruded into filaments. DSC curves show an insignificant change in the peak melting temperature, increase in crystallization temperature, and a decrease in the crystallinity of HDPE with BAG addition. Warpage analysis confirms that the enhanced temperature parameters and BAG addition result in reduced warpage and improved dimensional stability. Rheological results show that the addition of BAG increases complex viscosity, storage and loss modulus. Melt behavior and print parameters are tailored to improve first layer adhesion and interfacial bonding rendering dimensionally stable prints without any print induced defects. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of printed samples show an increase in storage (E′), loss (E″) modulus, and a decrease in damping factor (Tan δ) with BAG addition. MEAM of the developed H/BAG composites shows a strong potential for developing customizable scaffolds and implants as bone replacements. [Display omitted] • HDPE/BAG composite feedstock are developed for material extrusion – AM process. • Addition of BAG affects the crystallization behavior of the feedstock. • Melt and print parameters exhibit complex interdependency. • Tailoring the process parameters negates the print induced defects. • Dynamic mechanical properties are influenced by BAG addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ability to predict and control microstructure in laser-deposited materials requires an understanding of the thermal conditions at the onset of solidification. To this end, the focus of this work is the development of thermal process maps relating solidification cooling rate and thermal gradient (the key parameters controlling microstructure) to laser deposition process variables (laser power and velocity). Attention is restricted to thin-wall deposits, which are commonly manufactured using Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) and other small-scale laser deposition techniques. The approach employs the 2D Rosenthal solution for a moving point heat source traversing a semi-infinite substrate, which has been previously used in the literature to guide the development of process maps for controlling melt pool size and residual stress. In the current study, cooling rates and thermal gradients at the onset of solidification are numerically extracted from the 2D Rosenthal solution throughout the depth of the melt pool, and results are plotted on dimensionless process maps for predicting solidification microstructure. Results suggest that changes in laser power and velocity can have a substantial effect on solidification cooling rate and thermal gradient, which depending on the material system could have a significant effect on the resulting microstructure. Results are further plotted on solidification maps for predicting grain morphology specifically in Ti–6Al–4V, and the effects of laser power and velocity on trends in grain morphology are discussed. Although the Rosenthal predictions neglect the nonlinear effects of temperature-dependent properties and latent heat of transformation, a comparison with 2D nonlinear thermal finite element (FEM) results suggests that they can provide reasonable estimates of trends in grain morphology. In particular, both the Rosenthal and FEM results indicate a trend from columnar toward mixed/equiaxed microstructure with increasing laser incident energy, which is in keeping with recent experimental observations of thin-wall Ti–6Al–4V deposits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Free-edge debonding and subsequent interface crack extension are common modes of failure in a variety of engineering applications in which bonded layers of dissimilar materials are subject to differential expansion stresses. In this study, the susceptibility to debonding of short interface edge cracks is investigated for the global plane elasticity problem of a bimaterial strip with a uniform edge load applied to the top layer (a general model of differential expansion). The goal of this study is to determine the maximum crack length L for which interface crack extension is inhibited, or more specifically, for which the singular interface normal stresses are compressive. This is equivalent to a maximum allowable flaw size, which is of interest to both designers and inspectors of bimaterial systems. The critical crack length L has been extracted from parametric finite element analyses over a wide range of bimaterial configurations using the commercial software package ABAQUS. Results indicate that the critical crack length L increases with both the relative stiffness and thickness of the contracting layer, and may represent a significant inspectable flaw size for a variety of practical bimaterial configurations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single-track experiments are routinely used in the optimization of process parameters in additive manufacturing processes. Most of the process parameter optimization studies use a laser spot size of 1 mm or more. Since laser spot size affects the input energy density and in turn the efficiency of the deposition process, it is important to develop process maps every time a laser of different spot sizes is used. In this work, we determine the process maps for a laser of 0.6 mm spot size. By combining the process maps and the metallographic inspection, we estimate the optimum process parameters (laser power, scan speed, powder feed rate) for building Ti6Al4V components using powder-based laser-directed energy deposition(LDED). Single-tracks corresponding to 64 different parameter combinations are deposited. After eliminating the process parameter combinations resulting in defective tracks, the optimum process parameters of 300 W laser power and 720 mm min − 1 scan speed is established by considering the relationship between the process parameters and the geometrical features of the deposit. The experimental results are then used to calibrate the modeling parameters of a three-dimensional finite element model for simulating the deposition process. [Display omitted] • Ti6Al4V single tracks are deposited using powder-fed laser-directed energy deposition with a 0.6 mm laser spot size. • Laser power-Scan speed process maps are used to select an optimum process parameter combination. • Dilution as a function of energy density is used to understand the effect of process parameters on the bead geometry. • Higher dilution ratios are observed due to the smaller spot size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Functionally Graded YSZ-IN625 clads show continuous interface without any defects. • Smooth transition in microstructure as a result of Functional grading. • Homogeneous segregation of YSZ particles within YSZ particles as a result of Marangoni flow. • Smaller laser spot size favours strong Marangoni flow within melt pool. M-CrAlY or M-Cr-based bond coats are used as a buffer layer to apply ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) to metal turbine blades. However, due to oxygen diffusion, thermally grown oxides grow over the bond coat material, leading to coating failure in the components. Therefore, this study attempts to fabricate a novel TBC-coated IN625 without bond coat material using a Functional grading approach. The findings from this study may pave the way for processing functionally graded ceramic materials using Laser Additive manufacturing techniques. This study also evaluates the performance of functional grading in joining dissimilar materials using small spot-size laser sources. In the present study, samples were fabricated for three sample conditions: S1: direct clad, S2: 25% linear grading, and S3: 50% linear grading. The interface between Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) and IN625 for the S1 sample showed discontinuous and horizontal cracks along the interface due to steep variations in thermal properties. However, the interface of S2 and S3 samples showed good adhesion and a smooth transition in microstructure between IN625 and YSZ as a result of functional grading. SEM micrographs showed homogeneous YSZ distributions without segregation within the IN625 matrix. This was attributed to strong Marangoni flow as a result of the small spot-size laser beam used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on understanding the effect of scan strategy on the microstructure and mechanical properties of LDED fabricated IN718 built at optimized process conditions from single track analysis. Initially, single track studies were conducted by varying laser power, scan speed, and feed rate (3 levels) to optimize process parameters for bulk deposition. Based on the dilution, aspect ratio, track continuity and melt pool shape, best process parameter were chosen for depositing bulk structures. Bulk rectangular specimens were fabricated using the LDED process for different infill rotation (0°, 45°, 67°, and 90°) at optimized process conditions. Infill rotation did not show any significant change in the density of the samples. However, grain size measurement from EBSD and SEM micrographs revealed a substantial difference in grain size between samples without infill rotation (0°) and samples with infill rotation (45°, 67°, and 90°). XRD and EDS mapping revealed higher the formation of secondary laves phases with infill rotation as a result of higher cooling rate. Similarly, melt pool shape and arrangement showed significant variation with different infill angles. Samples with 0° and 90° infill rotation exhibited strong crystallographic texture along the build direction. There was a significant variation in the microhardness and tensile strength of the build with variation in infill rotation. This variation in mechanical properties were attributed to grain size, LAGB's fraction, secondary phases, and crystallographic texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium-based alloys have attracted significant attention for biomedical applications due to its biodegradability as well as density and elastic modulus which are close to those of human bone. However, the uncontrolled biodegradation and hydrogen evolution are of major concern. In this work, laser surface melting (LSM) has been carried out to tailor initial corrosion rates of Mg-2.2Zn alloy implants. Melt pool dimensions, microstructure and surface topography of the LSM samples were analysed. The wettability and in vitro degradation characteristics of untreated and treated alloy were compared. LSM resulted in much finer cellular microstructural features than as-cast alloy and the melted region depths between 65 and 115 μm. Higher treatment depths helped to extend the corrosion protection time by suppressing the corrosion front movement. Polished LSM samples resulted in overall corrosion rates of 0.5–0.62 mm/year which was about 40%–50% reduction compared to the as-cast alloy. Accelerated biomineralisation of the surface via enhancements in the surface energy due to microstructural refinement as well as microstructural homogeneity and Zn enrichment in α-Mg, favoured improvement of the overall corrosion performance of LSM-treated alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study combines the Wire-based DED (W-DED) and Powder-based DED (P-DED) to achieve a high deposition rate and higher feature resolution, respectively, within the single component. The research puts forward a novel Wire-Power (WP) Hybrid DED process, which is realized by sequential deposition of feedstock in Wire and then in Powder form. Based on the deposition-extraction combination, three sample configurations, C1 (Y-X), C2 (X-X) and C3 (Y-Z), were fabricated and characterized for the mechanical properties and microstructural aspects. OM images revealed defect-free P-DED and W-DED interface, while the EBSD analysis showed grain size variations owing to differences in the cooling rates. The Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) values of C1 and C2 configurations are about 132.2 and 139.7 % higher in comparison to C3. Low cycle fatigue results showed that the C2 sustained a higher number of completely reversed cycles to failure in comparison to the other configurations. The impact energy absorbed by C3 is the highest, affirming the strong W–P interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium based alloys are well-known materials for temporary implant applications. However, failures due to early degradation and bacterial infection are limiting their applications. To overcome these problems, in the present work a Mg-Zn-Dy alloy based composite surface was prepared using coating and friction stir processing (FSP) techniques. Herein, hydroxyapatite (HA) and silver (Ag) particles were deposited on Mg-Zn-Dy alloy to obtain HA and Ag coated surface (C-HAg). Later, FSP was carried out on the C-HAg surface to develop a Mg-Zn-Dy alloy based composite surface (F-HAg). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) confirm the mixing of HA and Ag particles with the Mg-Zn-Dy substrate. Antibacterial studies reveal that both C-HAg and F-HAg samples inhibit Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In vitro cytotoxicity study indicates that the both samples are non-toxic in nature. Results of in vitro corrosion study reveal a significant reduction (72%) in corrosion rate of F-HAg sample when compared to C-HAg sample. The F-HAg samples showed simultaneous improvement in corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties with good biocompatibility. The results of this study indicate that the developed composite surface is a promising material for antibacterial and biodegradable implant applications. • Surface modification of Mg-Zn-Dy alloy using coating and FSP techniques • The addition of Ag particles suppressed E. Coli and S. aureus bacterial strains • In-vitro cell culture study using MC3T3-E1 cells demonstrated good biocompatibility for both coated and composite surfaces • FSP significantly improved corrosion resistance of composite surface when compared to coated surface [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The isothermal oxidation behavior of LDED Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy was investigated. • The oxide-scale consists of TiO 2 , followed by Al 2 O 3 , and a hybrid TiO 2 + Al 2 O 3 layer. • The mass gain curve at 750 °C followed a linear growth trend. • The mass gain curves at 850 °C and 950 °C exhibited parabolic growth patterns. • Severe spallation was observed at temperatures greater than 750 °C for 100 h. This study investigates high-temperature oxidation behavior and kinetics of Laser Directed Energy Deposited (LDED) Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb (Ti-48-2-2) alloy at 750 °C, 850 °C, and 950 °C, for 30, 60 and 100 h. Results reveal that the oxide-scale consists of alternating bands of TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 and its stability is strongly dependent on the oxidation temperature and duration. At 850 °C and 950 °C, the oxide-scale delaminated following 100-h exposure. LDED Ti-48-2-2 exhibited an oxidation rate constant of 0.984 mg2 cm−4 h−1 at 850 °C (100 h) and 2.09 mg2 cm−4 h−1 at 950 °C (100 h), and an activation energy of 83.7 kJ mol−1 (850°–950 °C). LDED Ti-48-2-2 exhibited poor oxidation resistance compared to conventionally processed Ƴ-TiAl alloys. This can be attributed to the absence of N-rich layer and the typical nano-scale α 2 /γ banded lamellar microstructure observed in other processing routes. Post-process heat treatments can be utilized to obtain the desired microstructural features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconel 625 (IN625) is an essential material for the manufacture of turbine blades and seals, aircraft ducting systems, engine components, and pressure valves. Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) process has shown the potential to fabricate IN625 parts with superior mechanical properties and higher corrosion resistance when compared to those fabricated using conventional manufacturing techniques. However, the poor surface quality limits the practical application of LDED fabricated parts, especially in sectors that demand high tribological performance. To this end, this study focuses on improving the surface quality and tribological performance of LDED fabricated IN625 components using Laser Surface Remelting (LSR) as a postprocessing operation. The tribological performance was evaluated using a linear reciprocating ball-on-flat wear test setup. The surface roughness, remelting depth (RD), microstructure, hardness, and tribological performance (coefficient of friction and wear rate) of the remelted (RM) samples were compared with that of as-deposited (AD) samples. Microstructural characterization revealed that LSR resulted in grain refinement, reduced dendrite size, and primary dendritic arm spacing (PDAS). Laser scanning speed effects RD, dendrite size and PDAS via its effect on cooling rates. SEM + EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Laves phase in both AD and RM samples. XRD analysis of RM samples showed an increase in the amount of Laves phase. The refinement in microstructural features and the increased amount of Laves phase among the RM samples led to improvement in microhardness when compared to AD samples. Wear test results revealed a reduction in the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate after LSR with wear mechanism being either abrasive or delamination. Reduction in the size of dendrites and refinement in grain size are attributed to the enhanced tribological performance after LSR. • Laser surface remelting (LSR) as a post-processing technique for LDED processed components (AD) has been investigated. • LSR achieved superior surface quality than the AD sample due to remelting of partially melted powder particles. • LSR resulted in grain refinement, improvement in hardness and tribological performance when compared to AD sample. • The scanning speed used for remelting is a key parameter for achieving enhanced tribological performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Repair of IN625 serviced components is carried out using LDED process. • Yield strength is found to be highly influenced by solution treatment. • As-deposited samples exhibit better hardness than wrought and heat-treated samples. • LDED followed by heat-treatment results in consistent mechanical properties. In the present work, an attempt is made to understand and explore the repair capabilities of the Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) process on Nickel based superalloy Inconel 625 (IN625). Samples were extracted from a wrought plate of IN625 and then were subjected to a fatigue test to mimic a component in service for repairing. Further, deposition was carried out on these fatigued tensile sample surfaces i.e., Top, Top & bottom, One side and Both sides. The samples were also solution-treated at 1200 °C for 90 mins. Microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated and then compared between the different deposition strategies and sample heat-treatment conditions. Tensile properties were compared for all the three sample conditions viz. wrought alloy, as repaired and solution treated. Results indicate sound deposition with minimal porosity in all the four deposition strategies using the LDED process with a mean deposit height of 1.02 ± 0.25 mm. Microstructural analysis revealed mixed dendrite and columnar structure in the case of as-deposited samples whereas, solution treated samples exhibited recrystallized equiaxed grains with the presence of annealing twins. The as-deposited samples show a ductile mode of failure with a maximum ultimate strength of 830 MPa, yield strength of 350 MPa and elongation of 72%. For solution treated samples, a maximum ultimate tensile strength of 620 MPa, yield strength of 270 MPa and elongation of 73% were observed. The strength of the material was found to be highly influenced by the solution treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally pollutant fly ash cenospheres (hollow microballoons) are utilized with most widely consumed, relatively expensive high density polyethylene (HDPE) for developing lightweight eco-friendly filament for 3D printing of closed cell foams. Cenospheres (20, 40 and 60 by volume %) are blended with HDPE and subsequently extruded in filament to be used for 3D printing. Cenosphere/HDPE blends are studied for melt flow index (MFI) and rheological properties. MFI decreases with cenospheres addition. Complex viscosity, storage and loss modulus increase with filler loading. DSC results on the filament and printed samples reveal increasing crystallization temperature and decreasing crystallinity % with no appreciable change in peak melting temperature. Cooling rate variations exhibit crystallinity differences between the filament and the prints. CTE decreases with increasing cenosphere content resulting in lower thermal stresses and under diffusion of raster leading to non-warped prints. Micrography on freeze fractured filament and prints show cenospheres uniform distribution in HDPE. Intact cenospheres lower the foam density making it lightweight. Tensile tests are carried out on filaments and printed samples while flexural properties are investigated for 3D prints. Cenospheres addition resulted in improved tensile modulus and decreased filament strength. Tensile and flexural modulus of printed foams increases with filler content. Results are also compared with injection molded samples. Printed foams registered comparable tensile strength. Specific tensile modulus is noted to be increased with cenospheres loading implying weight saving potential of 3D printed foams. Property map reveals printed foams advantage over other fillers and HDPE composites synthesized through injection and compression molding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to study the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure, phase transformations, shape memory characteristics and corrosion behaviour of laser deposited equiatomic NiTi alloy. Dense samples of NiTi alloy were fabricated using Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) with two different laser energy densities by varying the scan speed and laser power. These samples were annealed for 30 min at 500 °C and 1000 °C in flowing argon, followed by furnace-cooling to room temperature. The resulting microstructures and properties were compared with the corresponding as-deposited samples. Microstructural analysis after heat treatment showed needle-shape martensite in the samples processed at lower laser energy density of 20 J/mm 2 , and lenticular or plate-like martensite in the samples processed at 80 J/mm 2 . The XRD results revealed relatively high concentration of martensite (B19′) in heat-treated NiTi alloy compared to as-processed samples. Furthermore, the heat treatment decreased the forward and reverse transformation temperatures of NiTi alloy from 80 – 95 °C to 20–40 °C, presumably due to annihilation of thermally induced defects. Interestingly, the samples annealed at 500 °C showed a measurable increase of 1–2% in the shape memory recovery, from the net recovery of 8% exhibited by the as-processed NiTi alloy. The corrosion resistance of laser-processed NiTi alloy decreased upon annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™), a commercially available additive manufacturing technology, has been used to fabricate dense equiatomic NiTi alloy components. The primary aim of this work is to study the effect of laser power and scan speed on microstructure, phase constituents, hardness and corrosion behavior of laser processed NiTi alloy. The results showed retention of large amount of high-temperature austenite phase at room temperature due to high cooling rates associated with laser processing. The high amount of austenite in these samples increased the hardness. The grain size and corrosion resistance were found to increase with laser power. The surface energy of NiTi alloy, calculated using contact angles, decreased from 61 mN/m to 56 mN/m with increase in laser energy density from 20 J/mm 2 to 80 J/mm 2 . The decrease in surface energy shifted the corrosion potentials to nobler direction and decreased the corrosion current. Under present experimental conditions the laser power found to have strong influence on microstructure, phase constituents and corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to comprehend thermo-fluid conditions during laser surface melting (LSM) of Inconel 625 (IN625) alloy using experimental and numerical modelling approaches. Nine tracks were melted on an IN625 plate at different laser powers and scan speeds. Melt pool geometry and grain morphology were evaluated using microscopy techniques. A 3-D finite volume model based on heat conduction solidification equation (HCS model) was used to simulate LSM process. Further, HCS model was expanded to include effects of fluid dynamics (HCS-FD model). Both the numerical models were used to predict melt pool geometry, peak temperatures, temperature gradients and cooling rates. The error in predictions of melt pool geometry from the HCS-FD model was lower when compared to the HCS model. The velocity vectors show a strong surface tension driven flow which has resulted in narrow and deeper melt pools in agreement with the cross sectional images of the melted tracks. Further, solidification characteristics were interpreted to obtain inferences about grain size and morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]