3D gel printing of graded TiC-high manganese steel cermet

A new solid freeform process, 3D gel printing (3DGP), was proposed for designing and manufacturing graded composites. As an example, TiC-high manganese steel cermet with a gradient distribution of TiC was successfully designed and fabricated by 3DGP. The rheological behavior and polymerization of slurries with different TiC content have been researched. The complex-shaped green bodies were printed accurately by depositing slurries layer by layer. The scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed the gradient distribution and morphology of the TiC particles within a sintered sample. The density, hardness, abrasion wear resistance, transverse rupture strength and impact toughness of the 3D gel-printed TiC-high manganese steel cermet appeared graded distribution corresponding to its gradient structure. Gradient distribution of the composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of the 3D gel-printed part are consistent with the design concept. Results indicated that 3DGP is a promising approach for high-throughput design and fabrication of complex-shaped graded composites.