Unique opportunities for microstructure engineering via trace B4C addition to Ti-6Al-4V through laser powder bed fusion process: As-built and heat-treated scenarios

This research study examines the role of minor B4C addition (0.2 wt%) in improving the mechanical properties of the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) fabricated Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) alloy in the as-built and heat-treated conditions. The fabricated titanium matrix composites (TMCs) were subjected to two different heat treatment scenarios, i.e., subtransus and supertransus, and were compared to the Ti64 counterparts exposed to the same thermal cycles. …