Influence of Gas Temperature and Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of Cold Sprayed Commercially Pure Titanium

Diffusion of oxygen and nitrogen in the cold sprayed commercially pure Ti (CS CP Ti) deposits profoundly impacts their mechanical properties. One plausible approach to additively manufacture a malleable (wrought) and high-density Ti is optimizing CS deposition parameters considering a reduction in porosity for the following heat treatment. Herein, we examined porosity, bulk density, and hardness characteristics of CS CP Ti deposits produced at varying processing gas temperatures (700, 800, and 900°C), which significantly influences the interactions of CP Ti with oxygen and nitrogen. Post-processing heat treatments at 800, 900, and 1000°C were performed in a high vacuum furnace, respectively, which diminished splat boundaries and submicron pores with increasing grain size. SEM images revealed that CS CP Ti had a dense microstructure with low porosity. According to LECO research, low spraying temperatures (i.e. 700°C) maintained oxygen and nitrogen levels in the CS CP Ti deposits at the same level as the stock powders. The bulk density of CS CP Ti produced at 900 °C matched that of wrought CP Ti metal. In addition, to improve the mechanical properties of CS CP Ti deposits, we looked at the link between CS conditions and heat treatment.