New Approach for Manufacturing Ti–6Al–4V+40%TiC Metal-Matrix Composites by 3D Printing Using Conic Electron Beam and Cored Wire. Pt. 2: Layered MMC/Alloy Materials, Their Main Characteristics, and Possible Application as Ballistic Resistant Materials

Bilayer samples comprised of hard metal-matrix composite top layer and ductile 10 mm Ti–6Al–4V plate are produced with 3D printing by conical electron-beam method using specially prepared core (powder) wire that allows forming hard top layer of metal-matrix (Ti–6Al–4V) composite (MMC) reinforced by means of fine TiC particles with thickness up to 4 mm. Ballistic tests performed with 7.62×51 AP ammunition show a good ballistic resistance of this protective structure, i.e., it is not perforated. Only minor penetration and partial fracture are occurred exclusively in the surface MMC layer. Either no traces of plastic deformation are found at the boundary with the base layer or inside it that indicates that the MMC layer absorbs the entire impact energy of the projectile. Based on studies of the fine structure and texture of the interface between the layers, a reasonable assumption is made that wavy geometry of MMC layer provides additional deflection and scattering of stress waves generated during impact. Comparing the results of ballistic tests of various metallic materials, it is concluded that the 3D-printed bilayer material consisting of the upper Ti–6Al–4V + 40% TiC layer and the base Ti–6Al–4V layer has an undeniable advantage in ballistic performance when it is tested with cartridges of this type.