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Additive manufacturing of tantalum scaffolds: processing, microstructure and process-induced defects

Abstract:
Extreme melting point, high density, and ease of oxidation of tantalum (Ta) make its processing rather difficult using conventional methods. Additive manufacturing (AM) serves as an alternative Ta processing technique with unique design flexibility, customization, and minimizing material wastage. However, most additively manufactured parts contain undesired microstructural features or deviations (process-induced defects). This study aimed to assess the processability of the solid and structurally porous scaffolds of Ta through laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) AM. It will further characterize and evaluate microstructure of LPBF processed Ta, with emphasis on assessing the mechanism of the process-induced defects. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) and microstructural investigation confirmed the presence of BCC Ta phase containing columnar, equiaxed and fine grains with roughness between 3.88 nm to 10.40 nm. The presence of oxygen resulted in the formation of some oxide phases such as Ta2O5 and Ta2O3. Numerous process-induced defects, including solidification-induced micropores, pores-induced and solidification-induced microcracks were identified. The dislodge unmelted or partially fused Ta powder resulted in other form of defects including micro-concaves and microgrooves. The mechanism of pore formation during the LPBF of Ta was assessed through computational simulation and its findings rationalised the experimental results.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2023.106132

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Materials
Role:
Author



Publisher:
Elsevier
Journal:
International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials More from this journal
Volume:
112
Article number:
106132
Publication date:
2023-01-25
Acceptance date:
2023-01-23
DOI:
EISSN:
0263-4368


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1335073
Local pid:
pubs:1335073
Deposit date:
2023-09-21
ARK identifier:

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