Electrochemical synthesis of Al-Al2O3 composites for selective laser melting

Novel electrochemical method for obtaining Al-Al2O3 composites for selective laser melting technology has been studied. The electrochemical cell with the flexible cathode and the anode device has been developed. The initial aluminum powder was characterized: aluminum content was more than 99.8 wt %; the average particle diameter was similar to 40 mu m. Oxidized aluminum powder was studied: gamma-Al2O3 in the surface oxide layer form was detected; the increase in the particle diameter was 10-20 mu m. Electrochemical oxidation technological parameters have been studied. At 0.1 A cm(-2) cathodic current density electrolysis duration was 220 min, 24 V voltage along with 80 degrees C electrolyte temperature reached. The oxidation mechanism of aluminum particles has been developed. The increase in the surface oxide layer occurred, and this led to an increase in voltage. The 3D object from the oxidized aluminum powder was synthesized by selective laser melting method. The 3D object was perfectly sintered and did not crumble. Good reinforcements distribution in the volume of the synthesized 3D object has been achieved.