Microstructure and properties of 3D-printed ZrCu–Ti6Al4V laminated composite

The microstructures, shape memory properties, and mechanical properties of 3D-printed ZrCu–Ti6Al4V laminated composites were investigated in this study. The microstructure of the laminated composite effectively combines the characteristics of two alloys. The shape memory effect and mechanical properties of the laminated composite are affected by the thickness of the layer. The results reveal that higher austenite transformation temperature than ZrCu with total recovery strain close to ZrCu, and a compression strain exceeding 21% can be achieved by 3D-printed ZrCu–Ti6Al4V laminated composite with thickness of 0.25 mm. Additionally, the composite with thickness of 0.5 mm demonstrates excellent fracture toughness values of 44.30 MPa⋅m^1/2, as well as high yield strength and flow stress values reaching 1818 MPa and 2194 MPa respectively at a strain rate of 3500 s^-1. This study highlights that incorporating Ti6Al4V layers into ZrCu through 3D-printing can significantly enhance mechanical properties while maintaining favorable shape memory properties, thus combining the advantages of functional and structural materials.