Processing and Characterization of β Titanium Alloy Composite Using Power Metallurgy Approach

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Titanium alloys are crucial in various industries.
• Developing advanced titanium matrix composites with enhanced properties is an ongoing research area.
• In situ synthesis offers a promising route for creating complex microstructures and strengthening phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in situ synthesis of titanium alloy matrix composites from elemental powders.
• To analyze the formation and diffusion kinetics of reinforcing phases (TiB and TiC).
• To establish the relationship between microstructure, strengthening phases, and hardness.

Main Methods:

• High-temperature sintering of elemental metal powders including boron carbide.
• Phase identification using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microstructural analysis.
• Evaluation of diffusion kinetics via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS).

Main Results:

• Successful in situ synthesis of TiB and TiC reinforcing phases within the titanium alloy matrix.
• Identification of unreacted B4C particles and surrounding reaction layers.
• Determination of alloying element diffusion direction and its influence on in situ synthesis.
• Correlation established between microstructural components, strengthening phases, and hardness.
• Demonstration that high temperature and adequate holding time control synthesis kinetics, influenced by alloying element concentrations.

Conclusions:

• In situ reinforcement of titanium alloys from elemental powder mixtures is feasible under specific conditions.
• The kinetics of strengthening phase synthesis are controllable and dependent on alloying element concentrations.
• This approach enables the development of advanced titanium matrix composites with tailored properties.