| Abstract Scope |
Hybrid materials are abundant in nature, but it is challenging to realise in metals. A new strategy is pioneered for future alloys by hybridising the microstructures of existing alloys using selective laser melting (SLM). To demonstrate the potential of this novel concept, a new class of titanium, referred to as HYbrid Ti Alloy (HYTA), was created by hybridising two existing Ti alloys, one alpha/beta and one metastable beta. An excellent combination of high strength, work hardening rate, uniform and total elongations was achieved, far superior to conventional Ti and rivalling the advanced high strength steels. Further, individual properties of HYTA are amenable to manipulation via simple heat treatment, resulting in great versatility. This innovative approach can be applied to a vast variety of metals beyond Ti, leading to unlimited choices, and contributes significantly to the coming era of microstructure-by-design. |