Structural Transformations Occurring during the Formation of TiAl3-Based Composites Reinforced by TiB2 or TiC Hard Particles

This work is devoted to investigation of the structure of Ti-TiAl3 composites reinforced by TiB2 or TiC hard particles and obtained by spark plasma sintering of elemental foils and ceramic powders. Sintering was carried out at the temperature of 830 oC under the pressure of 40 MPa during 10 minutes. Microstructure of the composites obtained was represented by alternated layers of titanium and intermetallic compound TiAl3. Also, it was found that at the Ti-TiAl3 interfaces thin intermediate layers were formed. Quantitative elemental analysis of these layers showed that Ti3Al, TiAl, and TiAl2 compounds, as well as Ti (Al) solid solution could be formed in these zones. Diffraction analysis did not reveal any transformations of initial reinforcing phases after sintering. Interlayers with titanium diboride had the average microhardness level of 3988 HV, and the average microhardness level of interlayers with TiC was 1610 HV.

Production of Aerospace Tial Intermetallics for High Temperature Applications by Powder Metallurgy

During the recent years, alloys based on the intermetallic compound TiAl have attracted a considerable interest as potential competitors to steels and superalloys. Gamma-TiAl alloys are potential replacements for nickel and conventional titanium alloys in hot sections of turbine engines, as well as in orbital platform vehicles. The alloy design and efficient routes of TiAl processing are important technological challenges. Powder metallurgy is a near net shape process that allows the parts production with complex geometry at low costs. In this work, samples of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb (at.%) were prepared from elemental and pre-alloyed powders mixed for 2 h, followed by cold uniaxial and isostatic pressing and sintered between 800 up to 1400°C, for 1 h, under vacuum. After metallographic preparation, sintered samples were characterized by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), density analyses and Vickers microhardness measurements. The results indicated the viability of the pre-alloyed route and the tendency of a full lamellar microstructure of alternating gamma and α2 phases in high sintering temperatures.