Microstructure, corrosion, and wear behavior of modified 316L stainless steel feedstock produced by laser powder bed fusion

This investigation evaluates the effect of NaVO 3 , P 3 N 5 , VN, and Y additives on the microstructural evolution and functional properties of 316L stainless steel fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Prior to LPBF processing, 316L powder was uniformly coated with selected additives using low-energy ball milling. The LPBF process successfully incorporated these additives into the 316L matrix, resulting in significant modifications to melt pool dynamics, cellular morphology, and the formation of distinct additive-bearing phases. Nitrogen-containing additives substantially increased nitrogen content in the LPBF-processed 316L, enabling the development of high-nitrogen steels through additive-assisted laser powder bed fusion. Microstructural modifications combined with elevated nitrogen content rendered NaVO 3 and P 3 N 5 modified samples exceptionally resistant to corrosion and wear. Furthermore, VN incorporation enhanced both microhardness and wear resistance of the LPBF-316L specimens. These results underscore the efficacy of additive-functionalized feedstocks in tailoring the microstructure and performance of LPBF-processed 316L stainless steel for demanding engineering applications.