Utilization of cold spraying technique to develop nNi based composites reinforced with Ni3Al particulates

This study was intended to investigate the capability of cold spraying deposition process as a near net shape forming technique to produce MMCs. P/M technique was used to fabricate MMCs in this study for the reason of comparison. Ni-Ni3Al MMCs were fabricated using 80 Vol. % Ni and 20 Vol. % Ni3Al using both methods. Microstructural characterization were conducted on all samples and powders. All fabricated samples were subjected to variety of experimental tests to determine mechanical properties. Observations of the microstructure of cold sprayed and P/M samples clearly indicated strong bonding between cold sprayed samples due to the low amount of porosity. Cold sprayed samples exhibited better mechanical properties compared to P/M samples. Reinforced samples showed slightly better mechanical properties compared to pure Ni samples regardless of the fabrication technique. Overall cold sprayed sample exhibited higher strength and denser microstructure with less porosity compared to the P/M samples.