Effects of Laser Surface Melting on Ti–30Nb–2Sn Sintered Alloy

Abstract

Laser surface melting (LSM) is used to simultaneously melt a thin layer and quench Ti–30Nb–2Sn substrate produced by powder metallurgy route. Results show LSM is useful to eliminate non-desirable open porosity and to reduce even more the Young Modulus. The best microstructure is achieved below the melting pool where high peak temperature combined with high cooling rate during laser processing is present. LSM retains beta titanium without traces of martensite or grain boundary alpha due to oxygen contamination.