Effect of SPS treatment on crack healing and properties of NiTiCu alloy formed by SLM

doi:10.13251/j.issn.0254-6051.2025.05.042

Abstract

Abstract: Effect of spark plasma sintering (SPS) treatment on the crack healing and properties of a NiTiCu alloy fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) was investigated. The experimental findings reveal that the SPS treatment induces recrystallization within the structure of the NiTiCu alloy. Specifically, the originally elongated and slender grains are transformed into smaller, equiaxed grains. Under the combined action of high temperature and pressure during the SPS process, the diffusion of Ti elements within the alloy structure is effectively promoted. As a result, the cracks present in the alloy are filled with intermetallic compounds, with NiTi₂ being a prominent example. After SPS treatment, the hardness of the NiTiCu alloy exhibits a substantial increase. This enhancement in hardness is primarily attributed to two factors: grain refinement and the formation of the NiTi₂ phase. However, it is also observed that an extended holding time during the SPS treatment can lead to the coarsening of NiTi oxide particles in the microstructure, which has a detrimental impact on the properties of the alloy. SPS treatment can significantly heal the crack defects of the NiTiCu alloy, refine the grain size, and the generated NiTi₂ phases can also improve the corrosion resistance of the alloy.

Key words: spark plasma sintering, selective laser melting, nickel titanium alloy, crack healing, properties

CLC Number:

TG146

Zhang Ning, Tao Junjie, Ge Jinguo, Pei Zhiao, Zhang Wenxuan. Effect of SPS treatment on crack healing and properties of NiTiCu alloy formed by SLM[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 268-273.

References

[1] Khoo Z X, Liu Y, An J, et al. A review of selective laser melted NiTi shape memory alloy[J]. Materials, 2018, 11(4): 519.
[2] 项炜明, 王颢琦, 彭凡, 等. 钛合金激光选区熔化成形研究现状与展望[J]. 中国有色金属学报, 2024, 34(8): 2511-2529.
Xiang Weiming, Wang Haoqi, Peng Fan, et al. Research status and prospect of selective laser melting forming of titanium alloys[J]. The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals, 2024, 34(8): 2511-2529.
[3] 朱浩文, 刘文才, 蒋志达, 等. 选区激光熔化成形铝合金材料体系研究进展[J]. 中国有色金属学报, 2024, 34(1): 1-24.
Zhu Haowen, Liu Wencai, Jiang Zhida, et al. Research progress in material system of aluminum alloy fabricated by selective laser melting[J]. The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals, 2024, 34(1): 1-24.
[4] Liu Z, Zhang L M, Ren D C, et al. Significantly improved mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties of NiTi alloy fabricated by selective laser melting through heat treatments[J]. Materials Letters, 2023, 347: 134622.
[5] 汪洋扬, 孙明艳, 陈捷, 等. 热处理温度对选区激光熔化成形316L不锈钢冲击韧性及各向异性的影响[J]. 中国激光, 2024, 51(12): 147-155.
Wang Yangyang, Sun Mingyan, Chen Jie, et al. Effects of heat treatment temperature on impact toughness and anisotropy of 316L stainless steel formed by selective laser melting[J]. Chinese Journal of Lasers, 2024, 51(12): 147-155.
[6] 冯恩昊, 陈蓉, 邸士雄, 等. 热处理对选区激光熔化TC4合金微观组织及力学性能的影响规律研究[J]. 中国激光, 2024, 51(10): 298-309.
Feng Enhao, Chen Rong, Di Shixiong, et al. Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of TC4 alloy by selective laser melting[J]. Chinese Journal of Lasers, 2024, 51(10): 298-309.
[7] Qiu P, Gao P, Wang S, et al. Study on corrosion behavior of the selective laser melted NiTi alloy with superior tensile property and shape memory effect[J]. Corrosion Science, 2020, 175: 108891.
[8] Zhao C, Liang H, Luo S, et al. The effect of energy input on reaction, phase transition and shape memory effect of NiTi alloy by selective laser melting[J]. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2020, 817: 153288.
[9] Feng B, Wang C, Zhang Q, et al. Effect of laser hatch spacing on the pore defects, phase transformation and properties of selective laser melting fabricated NiTi shape memory alloys[J]. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2022, 840: 142965.
[10] Saedi S, Saghaian S E, Jahadakbar A, et al. Shape memory response of porous NiTi shape memory alloys fabricated by selective laser melting[J]. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 2018, 29: 1-12.
[11] Yu Z L, Xu Z Z, Guo Y T, et al. Analysis of microstructure, mechanical properties, wear characteristics and corrosion behavior of SLM-NiTi under different process parameters[J]. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 2022, 75: 637-650.
[12] Zhan J B, Lu Y J, Lin J X. On the martensitic transformation temperatures and mechanical properties of NiTi alloy manufactured by selective laser melting: Effect of remelting[J]. Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters), 2021, 34: 1223-1233.
[13] 赵海生, 房立家, 刘欢, 等. 热等静压对激光选区熔化成形GH4169合金组织与高温性能的影响[J]. 航空材料学报, 2024, 44(1): 84-92.
Zhao Haisheng, Fang Lijia, Liu Huan, et al. Effect of hot isostatic pressing on microstructure and high temperature properties of GH4169 alloy formed by selective laser melting[J]. Journal of Aeronautical Materials, 2024, 44(1): 84-92.
[14] 王继浩, 刘凯歌, 张雪峰, 等. 热等静压对激光选区熔化增材制造GH3230高温合金微裂纹与组织的影响[J]. 航空制造技术, 2024, 67(3): 55-61.
Wang Jihao, Liu Kaige, Zhang Xuefeng, et al. Effect of hot isostatic pressing on micro-cracks and microstructure of GH3230 superalloy fabricated by selective laser melting[J]. Aeronautical Manufacturing Technology, 2024, 67(3): 55-61.

[1]	Fang Bin, Xu Zikuan, Chen Weihao, Gu Jinbo, Chi Hongxiao, Wang Bin, Zhang Peng, Zhang Zhefeng. Effect of combined treatment of carburizing and shot peening on torsional fatigue properties of a gear bearing steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 1-8.
[2]	Tong Shankang, Wang Wei, Gan Xiaolong, Xue Zhengliang, Tian Hao, Li Desheng, Xu Guang. Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of bearing steel for tunnel boring machine during hot rolling and spheroidizing annealing process [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 9-15.
[3]	Zeng Kailun, Wang Yingchun, Yang Bin, Qiu Xuyangfan, Gu Jinbo, Chi Hongxiao, Cheng Xingwang. Effect of cryogenic treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of a low carbon Cr-Co-Mo-Ni high alloy bearing steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 22-26.
[4]	Guo Chuncheng, Li Haihong, Zeng Xijun, Zhou Kai, Xin Zhenfei, Chi Hongxiao, Ma Dangshen. Effect of Mo on high-temperature long-term mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of a heat-resistant bearing steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 51-56.
[5]	Zhao Miaomiao, Du Linxiu, Cao Yi, Huang Yan. Microstructure nanostructuring and mechanical properties of304 stainless steel containing copper [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 101-106.
[6]	Liang Shuang, Liu Zhixin, Guo Shengdong, Liu Lirong. Evolution of microstructure and creep rupture properties for a low-cost Ni-basedsingle crystal superalloy during long-term aging at 1050 ℃ [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 111-115.
[7]	Huo Litu, Ma Tao, Gao Jianxin, Bi Xiao, Li Yungang. Research status of Fe-Mn-Al-C low-density steel and prospect of Nb alloying application [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 116-123.
[8]	Sun Tonghui, Chen Huiqin, Shi Ruxing, Shi Hongqiang. Heat treatment and microstructure of super martensitic stainlesssteel 04Cr13Ni5Mo runner wheel forgings [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 140-145.
[9]	Hua Xuebing, Yuan Qing, Zhang Qingxiao, Xiong Le. Effect of annealing temperature on microstructure and properties of a bimodal ultrafine-grained high-strength steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 152-159.
[10]	Zou Zezhi, Chen Zhiyan, Liu Huiqun, Wu Haihong. Effect of aging process on microstructure and mechanical properties of C17200 beryllium bronze [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 160-167.
[11]	Xiang Yuxin, He Jianli, Wang Zhihai, Liu Jinlin. Effect of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of WE43 rare earth magnesium alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 168-174.
[12]	Niu Xuemei, Jing Linwang, Huang Yao, Yan Xianguo, Chen Zhi. Effect of cryogenic treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 175-180.
[13]	Chen Rui, Chen Baoan, Li Menglin, Han Yu, Zhu Zhixiang, Hou Shixiang, Yang Changlong, Zheng Wei. Precipitation behavior and recrystallization of Al-Fe-Cu alloy wire during annealing [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 189-194.
[14]	Li Zheng, Zhang He, Wang Piaoyang, Fu Wenjun, Xu Yujun. Effect of PWHT on microstructure and properties of Q690D steel butt joints [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 208-213.
[15]	Gao Jimin. Heat treatment process stability tests of AerMet100 steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 214-219.