Effects of nanoparticles on laser sintering of metal and ceramic powders

Continuous wave (CW) laser was used to melt micrometer-sized powders mixed with nanoparticles (NPs) such as titanium NPs. Nanoliquids have been known as medium of excellent heat transfer so that commercial nanoliquids are available for more efficient cooling engines and drill bits for oil wells. Nanoliquids may form during the laser melting or sintering of powders that are mixed with NPs of higher melting point than that of powders. During the melting period, NPs may stay in solid phase while the powders become liquid. This powder-transformed to liquid may be viewed as a nanoliquid with solid-state NPs. We discuss the laser melting of powders such as SmCo₅ with titanium NPs including their hardness.