Microstructure Characterization of Refractory Powder Materials for LPBF Method

The primary goal of this study was to comprehensively characterize the microstructure of refractory powder materials, particularly molybdenum (Mo) and molybdenum-rhenium (Mo-Re), in both non-spherical and spherical forms. The characterization was carried out with the use of advanced techniques inclu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: A. Czech, A. Wrona, M. Lis, M. Kot, Ł. Major
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Polish Academy of Sciences 2025-06-01
Series:Archives of Metallurgy and Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.pan.pl/Content/135562/AMM-2025-2-40-Czech.pdf
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Summary:The primary goal of this study was to comprehensively characterize the microstructure of refractory powder materials, particularly molybdenum (Mo) and molybdenum-rhenium (Mo-Re), in both non-spherical and spherical forms. The characterization was carried out with the use of advanced techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and nanohardness testing. This combination of analysis techniques provided a multi-scale understanding of the microstructural evolution and elemental distribution within the powders. Mo-Re powders were synthesized through powder metallurgy processes, while the spherical powders were produced with the use of the plasma spheroidization technique. Detailed analyses were conducted on the surface of powders, its cross-sections and thin foils. Spherical powders exhibited significant morphological changes, with evidence of rhenium diffusion within the molybdenum grain structure. This study provides detailed microstructural analysis of Mo-Re powders synthesized via plasma spheroidization, highlighting the role of rhenium in enhancing grain stability. The observed morphological changes in the spherical powders are indicative of enhanced material properties, which may influence their performance in critical applications. These findings provide valuable insights into the material properties, which may be crucial for demanding applications in high-temperature and high-stress environments, such as aerospace.
ISSN:2300-1909