Phase formation and morphological characteristics of aluminum bronze and nickel alloy composites produced by the additive manufacturing process

This study discusses the effect of increasing the volume concentration of nickel alloy (Inconel 625) on the structure and properties of an aluminum bronze/nickel alloy composite. The addition of Inconel 625 to aluminum bronze was found to produce chromium carbide followed by a NiAl phase. As the nickel alloy concentration increases, the NiAl phase is depleted by aluminum diffusion into the matrix, resulting in the formation of a cuboidal Ni3Al phase. As a result of complex diffusion, the volume fraction of the Cr23C6 phase increases, resulting in a loss of strength as the Inconel 625 concentration increases up to 50% by volume.