J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2026, Vol. 256: 295-309.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2025.08.043

• Research Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

In situ TiB2 nanoparticles enable uniform electrochemical dissolution for enhanced dimensional precision and capillarity in additively manufactured micro inner channels (Φ 1.4mm)

Jierui Mua,b,c, Qianglong Weia,b,c, Chu Lun Alex Leungd,e, Qiang Lua,b,f, Zijue Tanga,b,c, Zhenyang Gaoa,b,c, Pengyuan Rena,b,c, Tengteng Suna,b,c, Yakai Xiaoa,b,c, Yi Wua,b,c, Yongbing Lig, J.P. Oliveirah, Jian Lui, Haowei Wanga,b,c, Hongze Wanga,b,c,*   

  1. aState Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
    bSchool of Materials Science & Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
    cInstitute of Alumics Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Anhui), Huaibei 235000, China;
    dDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK;
    eResearch Complex at Harwell, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX110 FA, UK;
    fNational Engineering Research Center of Light Alloy Net Forming, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
    gShanghai Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacture for Thin-walled Structures, State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
    hCENIMAT/I3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal;
    iDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China;
    jAnhui Province Industrial Generic Technology Research Center for Alumics Materials, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China;
    kShanghai Key Laboratory of Material Laser Processing and Modification, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
  • Received:2025-06-19 Revised:2025-08-29 Accepted:2025-08-29 Published:2026-06-10 Online:2025-09-14
  • Contact: *E-mail address: hz.wang@sjtu.edu.cn (H. Wang).

Abstract: Electrochemical polishing (ECP) alone cannot overcome the limitations in inner surface roughness and dimensional accuracy imposed by heterogeneous dissolution behaviors in complex additively manufactured (AMed) parts, highlighting the need for material-based improvements. Here, we report a nanoparticle-enabled AMed alloy that intrinsically promotes uniform electrochemical dissolution. Using computed tomography (CT) slices analysis, in situ synchrotron X-ray imaging, and stimulation of the electrochemical dissolution process, we reveal that the improved uniform dissolution arises from grain refinement and corrosion crack deflection effects induced by in situ TiB2 nanoparticles. The resulting increase in grain boundary density and reduction in grain size lead to a more randomized crystallographic orientation and a homogenized grain-related corrosion potential across the melt pool (MP). The decreased potential variation in depth, diffusion-controlled dissolution, coupled with enhanced lateral corrosion crack propagation, significantly improves dissolution uniformity in AMed TiB₂/AlSi10Mg. After ECP, the AMed TiB2/AlSi10Mg heat pipes (Φ 1.4 mm) exhibit a reduction in inner surface roughness from 5.4 to 2.2 µm and in roundness tolerance from 59 to 31 µm, relative to the as-built AlSi10Mg counterpart. Moreover, a 218% increase in capillary action suggests enhanced heat transfer performance, supporting broader applications - specific performance and functionality in other complex AMed materials and structures.

Key words: Additive manufacturing, Electrochemical dissolution, Nanoparticles, Grain refinement, Electrochemical polishing