Surface reaction between titanium castings and investments

The selection of investments suitable for titanium castings is critical because the surface-reacted layer greatly affects their mechanical properties. This study analyzed the interfacial zone of titanium castings obtained from various commercial investments and examined the relationship between the surface-reacted layer and the hardness. CP titanium disks (20 mm diameter, 1 mm thick, n = 5) were cast using eight commercial casting systems and investments for titanium casting: two alumina-based investments (T-invest, CD-titan investment), two spinel-based investments (Titanmold, Titavest MZ), three zirconia-based investments (Asahivest-D, Titaniumvest EX, Tycast investment TM), and a magnesia-based investment (Selevest CB). The Vickers hardness of cast disks in cross-section was tested at 50 microns intervals from the surface to 0.5 mm in depth. The cross-section was observed metallurgically, and an elemental mapping measurement of the reacted layer was conducted under the EPMA. The Vickers hardnesses at 50 microns from the surface of the specimens ranged 312 to 624 and were significantly different among the investments (p < 0.01). The thickness of the reacted layer, rich in O, Si, Al, Zr, Mg, and P, ranged from 10 to 60 microns. No correlation was seen between the thickness of reacted layer and the hardness (p > 0.05). However, the specimens cast with alumina-based and zirconia-based investments were harder than the spinel-based and magnesia-based investments at 500 microns. Although the free energies of metal oxide formation of alumina and zirconia were lower than titania, these data suggest that silica, alumina and zirconia were reduced by contact with molten titanium. Accordingly, silicon, aluminum and zirconium diffused to the interior of the titanium castings and changed their mechanical properties.