Microstructural features induced by spray forming process

Abstract

Spray forming is a novel materials processing technique for obtaining near net shape products. It involves atomisation of liquid melt into a spray of micron sized droplets by high energy gas jets and its collection over a substrate giving rise to a dense perform. This provides several microstructural and process benefits. Interesting microstructural features as well as constitution of phases have been reported. Some of the microstructures observed in spray formed AI-Si, AI-Si-Fe alloys are also discussed. The development of microstructures during spray deposition is a complex phenomenon. This has been explained in light of thermal profiles of the deposit as well as process parameters employed during spray deposition. A large number of critical experiments and modelling studies have been made to develop mechanisms for the evolution of microstructures.