Surface and corrosion properties of 3D printed (stainless) steel by various additive manufacturing methods
Project description
Additive manufacturing (AM) or the so-called 3D printing of metals is opening an unexplored avenue for new metal applications. AM can be used for the layer-by-layer creation of metal products but is also revealing interesting opportunities for metal repair applications.
In this project the surface characteristics and corrosion behaviour of additive manufactured (AM) (stainless) steel are studied. The unique metal production processes based on AM creates unique metal microstructures (very different than the known conventional metal microstructures) and protective oxides, resulting in unique surface properties. The manufacturing technology LMD – Laser metal deposition – will be compared to the SLM technique - selective laser melting - and the WAAM method – wire arc additive manufacturing.
The surface characterisation involves surface analyses using SEM, XPS, AES or other relevant setups. The corrosion research involves electrochemical exposure and polarisation testing and local analyses using Kelvin Probe or other relevant methods.
This PhD project is part of a large consortium project on AM of metals. The fine tuning of the specific topic can be discussed and links with the mechanical properties can also be included. For example, the link between the surface state and the fatigue behaviour; for this there is an ongoing collaboration with the mechanical engineering department at VUB.
About the research Group
Electrochemical & Surface Engineering
With a strong emphasis on durability and sustainability our focus is on the development of the next generation of high performing and multifunctional metal surfaces and their applications. Why? Because some of the key mineral resources in our economy will be exhausted in the next few years if exploited at the present rates. Because corrosion of metals is yearly costing approximately 1 to 5 percent of a nation’s GNP, based on direct costs only. Because renewable energy sources call revolutionary energy storage systems. How? By our teaching, educating the engineers of tomorrow. By our research, learning how to modify, analyze and model bulk metal surfaces (on the nanometer scale), nanoparticles and -wires in interaction with their environment. By our services to third parties, sharing our knowledge with industrial partners and societal organizations.