Selective Laser Melting of Graphene nanoplatelets-Inconel 718 Nanocomposites

Title: Structure–Property Relationships in Graphene-Reinforced Inconel 718 via Selective Laser Melting

Summary:

This session evaluates the use of graphene nanoplatelets to enhance Inconel 718 performance through selective laser melting. The work addresses process–structure–property relationships critical to deploying reinforced nickel superalloys in demanding applications.

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Description:

Inconel 718 is widely used in aerospace and energy applications, yet its wear resistance can limit performance in high-contact and extreme-service environments. This session presents an evaluation-stage study on selectively laser melted Inconel 718 reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets.

Composite powders were produced using high-energy ball milling to ensure consistent nanofiller distribution. Laser powder bed fusion was performed across a controlled parameter window, including variations in laser power and scan speed while maintaining constant hatch spacing and layer thickness. Microstructural evolution, reinforcement stability, and interfacial features were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, and EBSD. Mechanical testing and dry sliding wear experiments quantified performance improvements relative to unreinforced material.

Results show that 0.5 wt% graphene reinforcement increased yield strength by over 40 percent and reduced wear rate by nearly 67 percent. The presentation discusses process robustness, reinforcement-induced strengthening mechanisms, and current limitations related to scalability and reproducibility for industrial adoption.

Adoption Stage: Evaluation