Microstructure and mechanical properties of selective laser melted Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo alloys

Strength-ductility trade-off has troubled humanity for millennia. It arises from the simultaneous yield strength increasing and strain hardening weakening. This thesis investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of a commercial titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo alloy) produced by a main metal additive manufacturing technique, selective laser melting. This study proposes a new strain hardening mechanism providing an ultra-strong strain hardening with a high yield strength. This new mechanism provides a potential pathway to break the strength-ductility trade-off. it can benefit a wide range of industries from aerospace to vehicle and may enable the manufacturing of lighter and safer aircrafts and cars.