Particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composite materials (PMCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their improved mechanical properties, such as high specific strength and stiffness, wear resistance, and thermal stability. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a promising method for manufacturing PMCs, which can produce complex three-dimensional parts with controlled microstructure.
This review discusses recent advances in the development of particle-reinforced CMAMs produced by SLM. Particular attention is paid to the selection of reinforcing particles such as silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and boron nitride (BN) and their influence on the properties of the final material. SLM process parameters including laser power, scan speed, and interlayer spacing are discussed and their influence on the density, porosity, and distribution of reinforcing particles in the matrix.
Selective laser melting (SLM) is an innovative layer-by-layer additive manufacturing technique that enables the production of complex components with superior performance. Particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (PAMC) play a key role in a variety of applications by combining the benefits of aluminum substrate and reinforcement elements.
In view of the advantages provided by SLM and PAMC, new PAMCs produced by SLM have been actively developed and studied recently. This paper reviews the current research on PAMCs produced by SLM. First, the solidification process of SLM-PAMC is emphasized. Then, key aspects related to the design and fabrication of high-performance SLM-PAMCs, including the selection of reinforcement components, the effect of process parameters on the microstructure, defect formation, and phase composition control, are analyzed and discussed in detail.
Thirdly, the characteristics and strengthening mechanisms of SLM-PAMC are systematically studied. Finally, promising development directions for the creation of high-performance SLM-PAMC are outlined.
The results of the studies demonstrating the improvement of mechanical properties of CMAMs produced by the SLM method compared to traditional manufacturing methods are presented. The prospects for the application of CMAMs produced by the SLM method in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive and electronics, are discussed. Finally, the main directions for future research in the field of development and application of particle-reinforced CMAMs produced by the SLM method are identified.
Author: Pei WANG, Jürgen ECKERT cd, Konda-gokuldoss PRASHANTH, Ming-wei WU, Ivan KABAN, Li-xia XI, Sergio SCUDINO
Institute: Institute of Additive Manufacturing, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China, Institute for Advanced Materials, IFW Dresden, D-01069 Dresden, Germany, Erich Schmid Institute for Materials Science, Austrian Academy of Sciences, A-8700 Leoben, Austria, Department of Materials Science, Leoben University of Mining, A-8700 Leoben, Austria, Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia, CBCMT, School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632 014, Tamil Nadu, India, Department of Materials Science and Mineral Resources Engineering, Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, China, College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China