Synthesis of Y₂O₃ Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo Alloy Powder by In Situ Gas Atomization Method

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Powder Metallurgy

Background:

• Oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys offer superior high-temperature mechanical properties.
• ODS alloys are promising for next-generation additive manufacturing (AM) due to defect mitigation.
• Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (Ti6242) is a high-performance alloy suitable for demanding applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the fabrication of ODS Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (Ti6242) alloy powder.
• To achieve uniform distribution of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) particles within the alloy powder.
• To explore the potential of ODS Ti6242 powder for additive manufacturing.

Main Methods:

• Thermodynamic calculations to determine optimal Ti6242-Y2O3 composition.
• Vacuum arc melting to produce a rod-shaped ingot.
• Electrode induction gas atomization for powder fabrication.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of ODS Ti6242 alloy powder with spherical morphology and smooth surface.
• Uniform distribution of nanoscale Y2O3 oxide particles (tens of nanometers) within the alloy powder.
• Complete dissolution and subsequent reprecipitation of Y2O3 achieved through controlled processing.

Conclusions:

• The in situ gas atomization method enables the production of oxide-integrated ODS Ti6242 alloy powder.
• The developed powder exhibits characteristics suitable for advanced additive manufacturing processes.
• This advancement holds potential for high-temperature applications requiring enhanced material properties.