Laves phases in selective laser melted TiCr1.78 alloys for hydrogen storage

[Display omitted] •Feasibility of selective laser melting (SLM) of prealloyed and mixed TiCr1.78 powders was demonstrated.•Energy density plays a relevant rule on microstructure, phases and relative density.•Ground prealloyed powders induce the formation of Laves phases, while spherical mixed ones increase the relative density. Hydrogen is one of the most promising clean energy carriers within alternative fuels. The need for its absorption/release at reasonable p/T conditions within materials, like metallic Ti-Cr alloys, is primary for its use in renewable and sustainable energy applications. In this work TiCr1.78 compound was produced via selective laser melting (SLM) first time. Due to lack of commercially available powders of Ti-Cr compositions, two powders prototype precursors, premixed or prealloyed, were prepared and investigated. Correlation among powder type and microstructure of SLM built was studied. Prealloyed powders allowed Laves phases to be obtained in SLM parts while premixed did not fully react. Relative density of SLM products was strictly correlated to energy density.