Effect of TiCN Reinforcement on the Tensile Properties of Nickel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Pure nickel (Ni) is known for its low mechanical properties which limits its range of applications. This study explored the possibility of improving the tensile properties of Ni with the addition of titanium carbonitride (TiCN) reinforcement using laser powder bed fusion. Horizontally built tensile specimens of 100wt% Ni and Ni-10wt%TiCN were tested according to ASTM E8/E8M-21. The Ni-10wt%TiCN samples had an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 751.65 MPa, yield strength (YS) of 550.30 MPa and elongation (EL) of 11.08 %. Compared to pure Ni, this represents an increase of 112 % in UTS and 79 % in YS respectively, with a reduction of only 4 % in EL. The findings demonstrate that the TiCN reinforcement enhanced the tensile properties of Ni while retaining desirable ductility. Thus, there is potential for application of this composite material where currently duranickel is used, for example spring contacts.