Selective laser melting of aluminum-based composites: challenges and prospects
摘要
Synthesis of composite materials by the method of selective laser melting based on a metal matrix with improved properties is actual and extensively developed direction of scientific research. The development of aluminum-matrix composites and their adaptation to the technology of selective laser melting requires taking into account numerous critical factors, such as the composition of the composite, the method used for the preparation of the source powder material, conditions of synthesis, etc. In the present work, we analyze the role played by the main factors in the development and synthesis of aluminum-matrix composites, the processes running in the melt pool during synthesis, and the key problems and tasks encountered in this field. On the basis of the deep analysis of data available from the literature, we determine the main trends in the subsequent development of the procedure of synthesis of aluminum-matrix composites by the method of selective laser melting, among which we can mention the development of aluminum-matrix composites accompanied by the formation of new phases as a result of the in situ reactions in the melt pool, computer simulation of the process of synthesis of aluminum-matrix composites, and the implementation of the in situ control over the process of melting by using various methods with a possibility of affecting the conditions of synthesis by using the accumulated data. We also formulate the tasks and fields of scientific investigations that require solutions and further efforts of the scientific community aimed at improving the properties of the aluminum-matrix composites.