Effects of Homogenization Heat Treatment on the Fe Micro-Segregation in Ti-1023 Titanium Alloy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Titanium Alloys

Background:

• Iron (Fe) segregation in Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al (Ti-1023) titanium alloy causes beta flecks, degrading product performance.
• Understanding Fe distribution is crucial for improving Ti-1023 alloy properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the control of Fe micro-segregation in Ti-1023 ingots using homogenization heat treatment (HT).
• To determine the optimal HT conditions for uniform Fe distribution.

Main Methods:

• Dissection sampling and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis to map Fe distribution.
• Homogenization heat treatment experiments at temperatures ranging from 1050 °C to 1200 °C.
• Numerical simulations to model Fe atom migration during HT.

Main Results:

• Fe content increases radially from the core to the grain boundary in as-cast Ti-1023.
• Homogenization HT significantly improves Fe element distribution uniformity within grains.
• Higher HT temperatures enhance Fe atom mobility and uniformity; 1150 °C and 1200 °C for 12 hours effectively reduce Fe segregation.

Conclusions:

• Homogenization heat treatment is an effective method to control Fe micro-segregation in Ti-1023.
• Optimized HT parameters, particularly higher temperatures, are key to achieving uniform Fe distribution and mitigating performance issues.