Development of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Nickel-Based Nanocomposites Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Abstract

Modern aerospace applications demand the development of high-performance components with advanced materials. The development of nanomaterial-reinforced metal matrix composites is a practical approach to improve properties. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is one of the popular additive manufacturing approaches to fabricating metal parts with complex geometric structures. This research investigates multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced nickel-based alloy (Haynes 230) nanocomposite for property improvement. Three volumetric concentrations (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) of CNTs in the metal matrix are investigated with different printing parameters. Different characterizations are conducted on the test specimens. Results show that LPBF-printed Haynes 230 with 2.5 vol% CNTs has higher relative density (99.36%) and less porosity compared to those printed with 5 vol% CNTs. Mechanical test results show that LPBF-printed Haynes 230 with 2.5 vol% CNTs has the highest hardness, modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and ultimate strength than those printed with as-received Haynes 230 powder (with 0 vol% CNTs), Haynes 230 with 5 vol% CNTs, and commercial Haynes 230 plates. The strengthening behavior of the CNTs in the metal matrix composites is discussed in this paper. The potential of CNT-reinforced nickel-based nanocomposites for applications requiring materials with outstanding mechanical properties, such as aerospace and defense, is demonstrated.