Study of δ-hydrides in Ti-2Al-2.5Zr and Ti-4Al-2V alloys

The α alloy Ti-2Al-2.5Zr and near α alloy Ti-4Al-2V were hydrogenated to various levels. The morphology, orientation relation （OR）, and habit plane of the hydrides were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. It was found that in the two alloys most of the precipitates are δ-hydrides which have fcc structure with the lattice parameter a = 0.44 nm. Two basic orientation relationships and habit planes of the precipitates are determined. Twin structure was observed in both alloys.     

Microstructure characterization and mechanical properties of Mg-9Li-5Al-1Zn-0.6RE alloy

Mg-9Li-5Al-1Zn-0.6RE alloy was prepared by vacuum induction heating. The microstructure and phases composition of the alloy were analyzed with optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. Then the effect of homogenization temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy was studied. The hardness of samples under different homogenization temperatures was measured. The results show that, the alloy is composed of a phase, β phase, Mg17Al12 and AlLi. RE added into the alloy is solved in a phase and β phase completely. After homogenization heat treatment, the needle-like a phase disappears. With the increase of homogenization temperature, the shape of a phase is spherical-like first, then vennicular-like, and large block-like finally. The variation of the shape of a phase causes the hardness of sample to change accordingly. The most favorable homogenization temperature for microstructure and mechanical properties is 150 ℃.     

Using Finite Element and Contour Method to Evaluate Residual Stress in Thick Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Welded by Electron Beam Welding

This work was to reveal the residual stress profile in electron beam welded Ti-6Al-4V alloy plates(50 mm thick) by using finite element and contour measurement methods.A three-dimensional finite element model of 50-mmthick titanium component was proposed,in which a column–cone combined heat source model was used to simulate the temperature field and a thermo-elastic–plastic model to analyze residual stress in a weld joint based on ABAQUS software.Considering the uncertainty of welding simulation,the computation was calibrated by experimental data of contour measurement method.Both test and simulated results show that residual stresses on the surface and inside the weld zone are significantly different and present a narrow and large gradient feature in the weld joint.The peak tensile stress exceeds the yield strength of base materials inside weld,which are distinctly different from residual stress of the thin Ti-6Al-4V alloy plates presented in references before.     

Effect of Zr addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of Ni-46Ti-4Al alloy

The microstructures and mechanical properties of Ni-(46-x)Ti-4Al-xZr (x = 0-8, at.%) alloys have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and mechanical tests. The results show that the Ni-Ti-Al-Zr alloys are composed of TiNi and (Ti, Al) 2 Ni with Zr as a solid solution element in both phases, and the third phase, (Zr, Ti, Al) 2 Ni, appears in Ni-40Ti-4Al-6Zr and Ni-38Ti-4Al-8Zr alloys. The compressive yield strength at room temperature increases with the increase of Zr content due to the solid-solution strengthening of Zr and precipitation strengthening of (Ti, Al, Zr) 2 Ni phase. However, the Ni-42Ti-4Al-4Zr alloy exhibits the maximum compressive yield strength at 873 and 973 K because of the softening of (Zr, Ti, Al) 2 Ni phase in the alloys with more Zr addition. The tensile stress-strain tests and the SEM fracture surface observations show that the brittle to ductile transition temperature of Ni-42Ti-4Al-4Zr alloy is between 873 and 923 K.     

Optimization of mechanical and antibacterial properties of Ti-3wt%Cu alloy through cold rolling and annealing

In this work,a process of cold rolling with 70%thickness reduction and different annealing temperatures was selected to regulate the microstructure of Ti-3wt%Cu alloy.Microstructural evolution,mechanical properties and antibacterial properties of the Ti-3wt%Cu alloy under different conditions were systematically investigated in terms of X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscope(SEM),transmission electron microscope(TEM),tensile and antibacterial test.The results indicated that cold rolling could dramatically increase the ultimate tensile stress(UTS)from 520 to 928 MPa,but reduce the fracture strain from 15.3%to 3.8%.With the annealing temperature increasing from 400 to 800C for 1 h,the UTS decreased from 744 to 506 MPa and the fracture strain increased from12.7%to 24.4%.Moreover,the antibacterial properties of the Ti-3wt%Cu alloy under different conditions showed excellent antibacterial rate(>96.69%).The results also indicated that the excellent combination of strength and ductility of the Ti-3wt%Cu alloy with cold rolling and following annealing could be achieved in a trade-off by tuning the size and distribution of Ti2Cu phase,which could increase the applicability of the alloy in clinical practice.More importantly,the antibacterial properties maintained a good stability for the Ti-3wt%Cu alloy under different conditions.The excellent combination of mechanical properties and antibacterial properties could make the Ti-3wt%Cu alloy a good candidate for long-term orthopaedic implant application.     

Tensile behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated by selective laser melting: effects of microstructures and as-built surface quality

Selective laser melting(SLM) is a powerful additive manufacturing(AM) technology, of which the most prominent advantage is the ability to produce components with a complex geometry. The service performances of the SLM-processed components depend on the microstructure and surface quality. In this work, the microstructures, mechanical properties, and fracture behaviors of SLM-processed Ti-6 Al-4 V alloy under machined and as-built surfaces after annealing treatments and hot isostatic pressing(HIP) were investigated. The microstructures were analyzed by optical microscope(OM), scanning electron microscope(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The mechanical properties were measured by tensile testing at room temperature. The results indicate that the as-deposited microstructures are characterized by columnar grains and fine brittle martensite and the asdeposited properties present high strength, low ductility and obvious anisotropy. After annealing at 800-900°C for 2-4 h and HIP at 920°C/100 MPa for 2 h, the brittle martensite could be transformed into ductile lamellar(α+β) microstructure and the static tensile properties of SLM-processed Ti-6 Al-4 V alloys in the machined condition could be comparable to that of wrought materials. Even after HIP treatment, the as-built surfaces could decrease the ductility and reduction of area of SLM-processed Ti-6 Al-4 V alloys to 9.2% and 20%, respectively. The crack initiation could occur at the columnar grain boundaries or at the as-built surfaces. The lamellar(α+β) microstructures and columnar grains could hinder or distort the crack propagation path during tensile tests.     

Effect of Ce-rich rare earth on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb magnesium alloy

To improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb magnesium alloy,different amount of Ce-rich rare earth(RE)was added to the alloy,and the effect of RE addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb alloy was investigated by means of Brinell hardness measurement, scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive spectroscope(EDS)and X-ray diffraction(XRD).The results show that an appropriate amount of Ce-rich rare earth addition can make the Al4Ce phase particles and CeSb phase disperse more evenly in the alloy.These phases refine the alloy’s matrix and make the secondary phases[?-Mg 32 (Al,Zn)49 phase and?-Al 2 Mg5Zn2 phase]finer and more dispersive,therefore significantly improve the mechanical properties of the Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb alloy.When the RE addition is 1.0 wt.%,the tensile strengths of the alloy both at room temperature and 150oC reach the maximum values while the impact toughness is slightly lower than that of the matrix alloy.The hardness increases with the increase of RE addition.     

Dependency of microstructure and microhardness on withdrawal rate of Ti-43Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy prepared by electromagnetic cold crucible directional solidification

The intermetallic Ti-43Al-2Cr-2Nb(at.%) alloy was directionally solidified in an electromagnetic cold crucible with different withdrawal rates(V) ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 mm·min~(-1), at a constant temperature gradients(G=18 K·mm~(-1)). Macrostructures of the alloy were observed by optical microscopy. Microstructures of the alloy were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) in back-scattered electron mode and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that morphologies of macrostructure depend greatly on the applied withdrawal rate. Continuous columnar grains can be obtained under slow withdrawal rates ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm·min~(-1). The microstructure of the alloy was composed of α_2/γ lamellar structures and a small number of mixtures of B2 phases and blocky γ phases. The columnar grain size(d) and interlamellar spacing(λ) decrease with an increasing withdrawal rate. The effect of withdrawal rate on microhardness was also investigated. The microhardness of the directional y solidified Ti-43Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy increases with an increase in withdrawal rate. This is mainly attributed to the increase of B2 and α_2 phases as well as the refinement of lamellae.     

Effect of mold temperature and casting dimension on microstructure and tensile properties of counter-gravity casting Ti-6Al-4V alloys

The cast Ti-6Al-4V alloy bars with different section sizes were fabricated by investment casting at counter-gravity condition with the mold temperatures of 300 °C and 650 °C, respectively. The microstructure of the alloy was observed by means of OM and SEM, and the effect of mold temperature and casting dimension on tensile properties was studied. Results show that equiaxed grains are obtained regardless of the casting dimension. β grain size tends to increase with an increase in mold temperature. Hot isostatic pressing of the alloy was carried out for tensile properties' comparison. Room temperature tensile test results show that Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced via counter-gravity casting has good balance of strength and ductility after hot isostatic pressing(HIP). The alloy shows higher ductility due to the elimination of porosity. In both cast and HIP status, the tensile strength is inclined to decrease with an increase in mold temperature, while the ductility is prone to slightly increase. Both the strength and ductility tend to decrease with an increase in the casting dimension.     

Research on Laser Direct Deposition Process of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

Laser direct deposition （LDD） of metallic components is an advanced technology of combining CAD/CAM （computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing）, high power laser, and rapid prototyping. This technology uses laser beam to melt the powders fed coaxiaUy into the molten pool by the laser beam to fabricate fuUy dense metallic components. The present article mainly studies the LDD of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, which can be used to fabricate aircraft components. The mechanical properties of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, fabricated by LDD, are obtained using the tension test, and the oxygen content of used powders and deposited specimens are measured. In the present article, it can be seen that the mechanical properties obtained using this method are higher than the ones obtained by casting, and equal to those got by wrought anneal. One aircraft part has been made using the LDD process. Because of this aircraft part, with sophisticated shape, the effect of the laser scanning track on the internal soundness of the deposited part was discussed.     

Ti-6Al-4V合金的轧制与组织性能

采用光学显微镜、透射电镜和拉伸试验等手段,研究了多道次两向轧制和单向轧制对不同原始状态(热轧态、水淬态和空冷态)Ti-6Al-4V合金显微组织和力学性能的影响。结果表明,热轧态Ti-6Al-4V合金的组织为片状α相+β相+少量等轴α相,水淬态Ti-6Al-4V合金形成了针状马氏体组织,空冷态Ti-6Al-4V合金形成了网状组织。Ti-6Al-4V合金适宜的两向轧制温度为700 ℃,此时合金中可见颗粒状β相弥散分布在α基体上。两向轧制Ti-6Al-4V合金的抗拉强度和屈服强度从高至低顺序为:水淬态>热轧态>空冷态,且轧向强度要高于横向;相较于单向轧制,两向轧制明显降低了Ti-6Al-4V合金板材拉伸性能的各向异性,且水淬态Ti-6Al-4V合金的轧向和横向强度差异最小,700 ℃轧制Ti-6Al-4V合金的主要细化机制为位错细化。     

原位SEM研究LDMD Ti-6Al-4V合金β晶界对拉伸断裂行为的影响

目的研究β晶界对激光直接熔化沉积(LDMD)Ti-6Al-4V合金裂纹形核或传播行为的影响,以澄清合金的断裂机制,为合金性能的改善提供理论依据。方法采用LDMD Ti-6Al-4V合金粉末,在Ti-6Al-4V基板上逐层堆积形成沉积层。沿沉积层扫描方向截取试样,在室温下观察样品的微观组织形貌,并对原位拉伸过程中的微观组织演化进行实时研究。同时研究β晶界对微裂纹萌生、扩展和断裂的影响行为,总结断裂机理。结果 LDMD Ti-6Al-4V合金组织宏观呈现出沿构造方向生长的粗大柱状β晶,β晶内由板条状α晶和整齐排列的具有相同生长取向的α簇组织组成,并有少量孔洞缺陷。采用原位扫描电镜拉伸样品时发现,在横向拉力作用下,样品最初在孔洞周围发生变形,之后裂纹的萌生扩展主要沿β晶界进行,β晶界对拉力起阻碍作用,造成样品的伸长率较低。拉伸过程中,微观组织主要沿着β晶界周围的α相变形,并且孔洞缺陷引起的应力集中使得缺陷周围变形最严重,变形方向与拉力方向呈45°。结论孔洞缺陷决定了样品的初始变形位置,而β晶界则决定了裂纹传播的方向,且由于拉伸试样的截取方向与β晶界相垂直,导致样品的伸长率较低,所以β晶界对样品的力学性能及断裂机理起决定作用。     

Effect of Annealing Treatments on the Microstructure,Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Ti-6Al-4V

An experimental investigation on the effects of post-annealing treatments on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of direct metal laser sintered Ti-6Al-4V alloys has been conducted. The microstructure and phase evolution as affected by annealing treatment temperature were examined through scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The tensile properties and Vickers hardness were measured and compared to the commercial Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Corrosion behavior of the parts was analyzed electrochemically in simulated body fluid at 37 °C. It was found out that the as-printed parts mainly composed of non-equilibrium α′ phase. Annealing treatment allowed the transformation from α′ to α phase and the development of β phase. The tensile test results indicated that post-annealing treatment could improve the ductility and decrease the strength. The as-printed Ti-6Al-4V part exhibits inferior corrosion resistance compared to the commercial alloy, and post-annealing treatment can reduce its susceptibility to corrosion by reducing the two-phase interface area.     

Oxygen effects on the mechanical properties and lattice strain of Ti and Ti-6Al-4V

The effects of oxygen on the mechanical properties and the lattice strain of commercial pure CP) Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloys are discussed here in terms of the Vickers hardness, tensile strength and elongation. The Vickers hardness and tensile strength of the CP Ti and the Ti-6Al-4V alloys increased with an increase in the oxygen concentration. On the other hand, the elongation of the CP Ti decreased considerably as the oxygen concentration increased, while that of the Ti-6Al-4V alloys gradually decreased as the oxygen concentration increased. Thus, the oxygen concentration has a greater effect on the mechanical properties of CP Ti compared to its effects on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. This can be explained in terms of the difference in the solid solution effect of oxygen between the CP Ti and the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Where, the mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy were previously affected by an earlier lattice expansion caused by an increment in the c/a ratio of the Ti-6Al-4V during the Al and V alloying process.     

Mechanical and electrochemical characterization of Ti-12Mo-5Zr alloy for biomedical application

We have fabricated a new β metastable titanium alloy that comprised of non-toxic elements Mo and Zr. Ingot with composition of Ti-12Mo-5Zr is prepared by melting pure metals in a vacuum non-consumable arc melting furnace. The alloy is then homogenized and solution treated under different temperature. The alloy is characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, tensile tests and found to have an acicular martensitic α″ + β structure and dominant β phase for the 1053 K and 1133 K solution treatment samples, respectively. The elastic modulus of the latter is about 64 GPa, which is much lower than those of pure Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In addition, it had moderate strength and much higher microhardness as compared with Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The results show better mechanical biocompatibility of this alloy, which will avoid stress shielding and thus prevent bone resorption in orthopedic implants applications. As long-term stability in biological environment is required, we have also evaluated the electrochemical behavior in a simulated body fluid (Hank's solution). Potentiodynamic polarization curves exhibits that the 1133 K solution treatment Ti-12Mo-5Zr sample has better corrosion properties than Ti-6Al-4V and is comparable to the pure titanium. The good corrosion resistance combined with better mechanical biocompatibility makes the Ti-12Mo-5Zr alloy suitable for use as orthopedic implants.     

氢对Ti-6Al-4V合金微观组织的影响

采用累计流量法对供应态Ti-6Al-4V合金进行了固态置氢,运用OM、XRD、TEM分析等方法研究了Ti-6Al-4V合金固态置氢后的微观组织状态及演变过程。结果表明:供应态Ti-6Al-4V合金的置氢量低于0.30%(质量分数,下同)时,置氢使得Ti-6Al-4V合金中的α相减少、β相增加;置氢量达到0.30%时,置氢Ti-6Al-4V合金中有δ氢化物(TiH2相)形成;β-Ti(H)共析转变生成α-Ti和δ氢化物时主要以切变方式进行;置氢Ti-6Al-4V合金的相变温度最多下降了180°C,与Ti-6Al-4V合金在置氢过程中的相体积比变化和共析转变有密切关系。     

Sintering properties of Ti-6Al-4V-xMo powder prepared by addition of Mo to Ti-6Al-4V scraps and subsequent pulverization

In this study, the sintering properties of Ti-6Al-4V-xMo powder prepared by an addition of Mo to Ti-6Al-4V scraps and subsequent pulverization were investigated. As the content of Mo added to Ti-6Al-4V scraps as a β stabilizer increased, the weight ratio of the α and β stabilizers in the Ti-6Al-4V-xMo changed and the original weight ratio of 6:4 varied to 5.71:8.57 when 5 wt% xMo was added. In order to compare the difference in properties of Ti-6Al-4V-xMo ingots with sintered bodies of the Ti-6Al-4V-xMo powder, we prepared sintered bodies from Ti-6Al-4V-xMo powder with an O content of about 5000 ppm and 325 mesh size. As a result, it was found that the sintered bodies of Ti-6Al-4V-xMo powder showed different properties of density and micro hardness compared to the Ti-6Al-4V-xMo ingots. These differences can be explained by the larger specific surface area of the sintered bodies, which formed a porous oxide layer on the surface due to the increase of Mo in the β zone of the Ti-6Al-4V alloys.     

Dehydrogenation of Hydrogenated Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

对未置氢及置氢Ti-6Al-4V合金进行了TG/DSC试验,研究了置氢钛合金的除氢行为。结果表明,当温度超过600℃时,置氢钛合金的失重规律与未置氢钛合金具有较大的差别。当加热温度在600~900℃之间时,置氢钛合金的失重随着氢含量的增加而增加。这是由于置氢合金中的亚稳相发生了分解。不考虑合金氧化的影响,置氢钛合金的最大失重与合金中的氢含量一致。置氢钛合金的最佳除氢温度为750℃。对于不同氢含量的置氢钛合金,其除氢工艺是相同的。     

Copper Interlayer Contribution on Nd:YAG Laser Welding of Dissimilar Ti-6Al-4V Alloy with X5CrNi18-10 Steel

Welding of heterogeneous Ti-6Al-4V alloy and X5CrNi18-10 steel, using a continuous Nd:YAG laser was performed by inserting a 600-μm-thick Cu foil between the two components, thus enabling an improvement of the properties of the joint. The changes in the main laser welding parameters (power and speed), based on the microstructural observations and mechanical tests, show that the resulting properties are influenced by the nature and dimensions of the transitional zone between the unmelted Ti-6Al-4V and the melted bath, where the intermetallic phases accumulate.     

Characterization of the Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta Alloy for Biomedical Applications. Part 1: Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance

Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy was investigated as possible material candidate for replacing Ti6Al4V in medical applications. The alloy was prepared in a levitation melting furnace and characterized in terms of elemental and phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid and Fusayama Meyer artificial saliva solutions. The characteristics of the new alloy were compared to those of the Ti6Al4V alloy. The Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta system was found to posses of a polyhedral structure consisting in α′ and β phases. X-ray structural analysis revealed a mixture of hexagonal α′ martensite (main phase, with grain size of about 21 nm) and β bcc phase. The Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy exhibited some better mechanical properties (Young modulus, tensile properties) and corrosion resistance (polarization resistance, corrosion current density, and corrosion rate), as compared to Ti6Al4V alloy.