Effect of Bonding Time on Interfacial Reaction and Mechanical Properties of Diffusion-Bonded Joint Between Ti-6Al-4V and 304 Stainless Steel Using Nickel as an Intermediate Material

In the current study, solid-state diffusion bonding between Ti-6Al-4V (TiA) and 304 stainless steel (SS) using pure nickel (Ni) of 200-μm thickness as an intermediate material was carried out in vacuum. Uniaxial compressive pressure and temperature were kept at 4 MPa and 1023 K (750 °C), respectively, and the bonding time was varied from 30 to 120 minutes in steps of 15 minutes. Scanning electron microscopy images, in backscattered electron mode, revealed the layerwise Ti-Ni-based intermetallics like either Ni₃Ti or both Ni₃Ti and NiTi at titanium alloy-nickel (TiA/Ni) interface, whereas nickel-stainless steel (Ni/SS) interface was free from intermetallic phases for all the joints. Chemical composition of the reaction layers was determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) and confirmed by X-ray diffraction study. Maximum tensile strength of ~382 MPa along with ~3.7 pct ductility was observed for the joints processed for 60 minutes. It was found that the extent of diffusion zone at Ni/SS interface was greater than that of TiA/Ni interface. From the microhardness profile, fractured surfaces, and fracture path, it was demonstrated that the failure of the joints was initiated and propagated apparently at TiA/Ni interface near Ni₃Ti intermetallic for bonding time less than 90 minutes, and through Ni for bonding time 90 minutes and greater.     

通过成分调整提高中强钛合金的力学性能

本研究在成熟应用的Ti-6Al-4V合金基础上发展了一种基于Ti-Al-V-Fe-Si系的两相钛合金-TC4F合金，并通过对该新合金的材料制备与初步研究表明，通过添加少量的合金元素Fe和Si，新合金的综合力学性能得到提高，合金的强度、塑性和断裂韧性得到良好匹配，从而满足了设计要求。新合金的最佳热处理工艺为获得魏氏组织的β退火。     

Global and Local Mechanical Properties of Autogenously Laser Welded Ti-6Al-4V

Ti-6Al-4V sheets, 3.2-mm in thickness, were butt welded using a continuous wave 4 kW Nd:YAG laser welding system. The effect of two main process parameters, laser power and welding speed, on the joint integrity was characterized in terms of the joint geometry, defects, microstructure, hardness, and tensile properties. In particular, a digital image correlation technique was used to determine the local tensile properties of the welds. It was determined that a wide range of heat inputs can be used to fully penetrate the Ti-6Al-4V butt joints during laser welding. At high laser power levels, however, significant defects such as underfill and porosity, can occur and cause marked degradation in the joint integrity and performance. At low welding speeds, however, significant porosity occurs due to its growth and the potential collapse of instable keyholes. Intermediate to relatively high levels of heat input allow maximization of the joint integrity and performance by limiting the underfill and porosity defects. In considering the effect of the two main defects on the joint integrity, the underfill defect was found to be more damaging to the mechanical performance of the weldment than the porosity. Specifically, it was determined that the maximum tolerable underfill depth for Ti-6Al-4V is approximately 6 pct of the workpiece thickness, which is slightly stricter than the value of 7 pct specified in AWS D17.1 for fusion welding in aerospace applications. Hence, employing optimized laser process parameters allows the underfill depth to be maintained within the tolerable limit (6 pct), which in turn prevents degradation in both the weld strength and ductility. To this end, the ability to maintain weld ductility in Ti-6Al-4V by means of applying a high energy density laser welding process presents a significant advantage over conventional arc welding for the assembly of aerospace components.     

Effect of Processing Temperature on the Texture and Shear Mechanical Properties of Diffusion Bonded Ti-6Al-4V Multilayer Laminates

Two multilayer materials based on Ti-6Al-4V alloy have been processed by diffusion bonding at two different temperatures [1023 K and 1173 K (750 °C and 900 °C)]. The influence of the processing temperature on microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of the two multilayer materials has been analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction, and shear tests have been used as experimental techniques. The multilayer laminate processed at the lowest temperature of 1023 K (750 °C) exhibits mainly transversal texture in the longitudinal plane, which provides an anisotropic mechanical behavior, showing higher shear modulus and maximum shear strength under one of the shear test directions considered. In contrast, diffusion bonding at 1173 K (900 °C) leads to basal/transversal texture because of the partial α → β → α transformation, which provides more isotropic mechanical properties. Accordingly, this laminate shows similar shear modulus and maximum shear strength in different shear test orientations.     

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Wire and Arc Additive Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a novel manufacturing technique in which large metal components can be fabricated layer by layer. In this study, the macrostructure, microstructure, and mechanical properties of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy after WAAM deposition have been investigated. The macrostructure of the arc-deposited Ti-6Al-4V was characterized by epitaxial growth of large columnar prior-β grains up through the deposited layers, while the microstructure consisted of fine Widmanstätten α in the upper deposited layers and a banded coarsened Widmanstätten lamella α in the lower layers. This structure developed due to the repeated rapid heating and cooling thermal cycling that occurs during the WAAM process. The average yield and ultimate tensile strengths of the as-deposited material were found to be slightly lower than those for a forged Ti-6Al-4V bar (MIL-T 9047); however, the ductility was similar and, importantly, the mean fatigue life was significantly higher. A small number of WAAM specimens exhibited early fatigue failure, which can be attributed to the rare occurrence of gas pores formed during deposition.     

热处理对Ti-6Al-4V ELI合金厚板组织与性能的影响

研究了热处理对Ti-6Al-4V超低间隙（ELI）合金厚板组织与性能的影响。结果表明，Ti-6Al-4V ELI合金经α＋β区热处理后得到双态组织，强度、塑性都较高；经β区热处理后得到片层组织，细片层组织强度较高。片层粗化后，强度降低。当片层尺寸小于某一临界值（-5μm）时，延伸率随着片层的粗化升高，当片层继续粗化时，延伸率反而下降。     

中间夹层材料和保护气体对不锈钢-碳钢复合效果的影响

提出了利用中间夹层材料促进不锈钢与碳钢复合的新工艺。研究了中间夹层材料和保护气体对不锈钢与碳钢复合效果的影响规律。结果表明，采用自制的银基中间夹层材料可以使两种母材在较低的压力下实现良好的复合；加热过程中采用氩气保护能够有效地去除不锈钢表面致密的氧化膜。     

Ti-6Al-4V ELI合金板材的显微组织与力学性能研究

研究了Ti-6Al-4V ELI合金板材的显微组织与力学性能。结果表明:双态组织,强度、塑性都比较高;而对于片层组织,随着片层的粗化,强度降低,延伸率先升高后降低,面缩呈下降趋势。片层粗化,抵抗裂纹穿越、迫使裂纹拐弯能力增大,提高了断裂韧性。     

The Effect of Scan Length on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Electron Beam-Melted Ti-6Al-4V

Electron beam melting (EBM) is a powder bed fusion-based additive manufacturing process in which selective areas of a layer of powder are melted with an electron beam and a part is built layer by layer. EBM scanning strategies within the Arcam AB^® A2X EBM system rely upon governing relationships between the scan length of the beam path, the beam current, and speed. As a result, a large parameter process window exists for Ti-6Al-4V. Many studies have reviewed various properties of EBM materials without accounting for this effect. The work performed in this study demonstrates the relationship between scan length and the resulting density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of EBM-produced Ti-6Al-4V using the scanning strategies set by the EBM control software. This emphasizes the criticality of process knowledge and careful experimental design, and provides an alternate explanation for reported orientation-influenced strength differences.     

锻造工艺对Ti-6Al-4V合金大规格方坯组织与性能的影响

制定了3种Ti-6Al-4V合金大规格方坯锻造工艺,通过Simufact仿真软件对工艺参数进行优化,在万吨液压机上进行全流程控制锻造,制备出规格为245 mm×480 mm×3 700 mm的大规格方坯。对方坯的力学性能和显微组织进行表征,分析锻造工艺对大规格方坯组织与性能的影响。结果表明,3种工艺锻制的Ti-6Al-4V合金大规格方坯显微组织均为等轴组织,初生α相含量约占80%。工艺A和工艺B制得的方坯组织细小,均匀性好,超声波杂波水平低。工艺C锻制的方坯晶粒粗大,组织不均匀,心部存在长条及大块状α相。工艺A、B锻制的方坯有较好的强度和塑性匹配,工艺C锻制的方坯强度虽较高,但塑性相对较低。从组织均匀性、力学性能及杂波水平综合考虑,工艺A为最优锻造方案。     

热处理温度对Ti-6Al-7Nb合金组织与性能的影响

为揭示Ti-6Al-7Nb合金显微组织、力学性能及相组成随热处理温度的变化规律,研究了合金在650～1 030℃热处理空冷条件下的组织演变,并进行了室温力学性能测试与XRD分析。结果表明:对于Ti-6Al-7Nb合金,经650℃热处理后,热加工得到的原β转变组织中析出了细小的α相,合金的强度和弹性模量有所提高。在700～850℃之间进行热处理,可以获得良好的综合性能,满足医用钛合金相关标准要求。在950～1 030℃范围内,随着热处理温度的升高,析出二次针状α相或生成α'马氏体相,呈现强度上升、塑性下降的趋势。经650、850℃热处理后,XRD图谱中均为α相的衍射峰,未出现β相的衍射峰。1 030℃热处理后,α'相具有较强的(002)、(101)衍射峰,其他晶面的衍射峰强度很弱,合金弹性模量可达108 GPa。     

变形量对SUS304不锈钢组织和性能的影响

SUS304奥氏体不锈钢经不同的轧制变形后,对其组织、性能及马氏体相变进行了分析。结果表明:随着变形量的增大,加工硬化增强,纤维组织变得尤为明显,变形后其组织中马氏体含量不断增多。通过分析,其产生的原因为随着变形量的增大,位错不断增殖、形变孪晶不断增加,形变孪晶与位错间的交互作用导致位错运动受阻,从而使流变应力不断的增加,使材料的自由能增大,促成了马氏体相变过程中的形核,发生马氏体相变,随着应变的累积α'马氏体量持续的增加,α'马氏体量的增加使材料的强度增加。     

氮对304奥氏体不锈钢组织和力学性能的影响

在０Ｃｒ１８Ｎｉ９奥氏体不锈钢成分基础上，加入一定的氮，并使钢中的镍含量控制在标准下限含量的条件下，研究了氮对组织和力学性能的影响。结果表明：加氮后钢的强度提高，奥氏体稳定不变，固溶态组织不变，而敏化后晶界析出物类型有所不同。     

The Effect of Multiple Surface Treatments on Biological Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

In this research, the effect of various surface treatments including laser processing, grit blasting and anodizing on chemical structure, surface topography, and bioactivity of Ti-6Al-4V was investigated. Six groups of samples were prepared by a combination of two alternative laser processes, grit blasting and anodizing. Selected samples were first evaluated using microanalysis techniques and contact roughness testing and were then exposed to in vitro environment. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the corresponding final surface morphologies. Weight measurement and atomic absorption tests were employed for determination of bioactivity limits of different surface conditions. Based on the data obtained in this study, low-energy laser processing generally yields a better biological response. The maximum bioactivity was attained in those samples exposed to a three step treatment including low-energy laser treatment followed by grit blasting and anodizing.     

The Effect of Friction Stir Processing on the Mechanical Properties of Investment Cast and Hot Isostatically Pressed Ti-6Al-4V

Friction-stir (FS) processing was used to modify the coarse, fully lamellar microstructure of investment cast and hot isostatically pressed (HIP’ed) Ti-6Al-4V. The effect of FS processing on mechanical properties was investigated using microtensile and four-point bend fatigue testing. The tensile results showed a typical microstructure dependence where yield strength and ultimate tensile strength both increased with decreasing slip length. Depending on the processing parameters, fatigue strength at 10⁷ cycles was increased by 20 pct or 60 pct over that of the investment cast and HIP’ed base material. These improvements have been verified with a statistically significant number of tests. The results have been discussed in terms of the resistance of each microstructure fatigue crack initiation and small crack propagation. For comparison, a limited number of fatigue tests was performed on α + β forged Ti-6Al-4V with varying primary α volume fraction and also on investment cast material heat treated to produce a bi-lamellar condition.     

Friction Stir Processing of Investment-Cast Ti-6Al-4V: Microstructure and Properties

Investment-cast titanium components are becoming increasingly common in the aerospace industry due to the ability to produce large, complex, one-piece components that were previously fabricated by mechanically fastening multiple pieces together. The fabricated components are labor-intensive and the fastener holes are stress concentrators and prime sites for fatigue crack initiation. The castings are typically hot-isostatically-pressed (HIP) to close internal porosity, but have a coarse, fully lamellar structure that has low resistance to fatigue crack initiation. The as-cast + HIP material exhibited 1- to 1.5-mm prior β grains containing a fully lamellar α + β microstructure consistent with slow cooling from above the β transus. Friction stir processing (FSP) was used to locally modify the microstructure on the surface of an investment-cast Ti-6Al-4V plate. Friction stir processing converted the as-cast microstructure to fine (1- to 2-μm) equiaxed α grains. Using micropillars created with a dual-beam focused ion beam device, it was found that the fine-grained equiaxed structure has about a 12 pct higher compressive yield stress. In wrought products, higher strength conditions are more resistant to fatigue crack initiation, while the coarse lamellar microstructure in the base material has better fatigue crack growth resistance. In combination, these two microstructures can increase the fatigue life of titanium alloy castings by increasing the number of cycles prior to crack initiation while retaining the same low-crack growth rates of the colony microstructure in the remainder of the component. In the current study, high-cycle fatigue testing of investment-cast Ti-6Al-4V was performed on four-point bend specimens. Early results show that FSP can increase fatigue strength dramatically. This article is based on a presentation given in the symposium entitled “Materials Behavior: Far from Equilibrium” as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, which occurred December 15–16, 2006 in Mumbai, India.