Effects of volume fraction on the microstructure and tensile properties of in situ TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with novel network microstructure

In order to better understand the relationship of structure–mechanical properties of TiBw/Ti6Al4V (TiBw/Ti64) composites with a network microstructure and deduce the upper limit of TiBw volume fraction, the effects of volume fraction on the microstructure and tensile properties were further investigated. The equation calculating the optimal and maximum volume fractions of reinforcement for the composites with a network microstructure was deduced. For the present system, the optimal and maximum volume fractions were verified to be 5.1 vol.% and 10.2 vol.%, respectively, by calculation, microstructure observation, tensile properties. When the volume fraction was equal and lower than 5.1 vol.%, the coarse TiBw formed, or else, the fine TiBw, the cluster TiBw and the block TiBw, even unhealed pores formed. The tensile strength of TiBw/Ti64 composites increases and then hastily decreases, while the ductility keeps on decreasing with increasing volume fractions of TiBw reinforcement.     

Research on heat treatment of TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites tubes

Heat treatment with different parameters were performed on the hot-hydrostatically extruded and swaged 3.5 vol.% TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites tubes. The results indicate that the primary α phase volume fraction decreases and transformed β phase correspondingly increases with increasing solution temperatures. The α + β phases will grow into coarse α phases when the aging temperature is higher than 600 °C. The hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the as-swaged TiBw/Ti6Al4V composite tubes increase with increasing quenching temperatures from 900 to 990 °C, while they decrease with increasing aging temperatures from 550 to 650 °C. A superior combination of ultimate tensile strength (1388 MPa) and elongation (6.1%) has been obtained by quenching at 960 °C and aging at 550 °C for 6 h. High temperature tensile tests at 400–600 °C show that the dominant failure modes at high temperatures also differ from those at room temperature.     

Microstructure and Properties of 3.5 vol.% TiBw/Ti6Al4V Composite Tubes Fabricated by Hot-hydrostatic Extrusion

Tubes of 3.5 vol,% TiB whiskers reinforced Ti6Al4V matrix composites （TiBw/Ti6Al4V） were successfully fabricated by a two-step hot-hydrostatic extrusion process： （3 extrusion at 1100 ℃ and subsequent near-β extrusion at 950℃. The dimensions of tubes were about 7 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. A refined basket-weave structure in Ti6Al4V matrix was achieved at ambient temperature after the extrusion process. Besides, the original network structure formed by TiB whiskers synthesized was broken, while the TiB whiskers were preferentially aligned in the extruding direction. Meanwhile, a fibrous texture was evolved finally, resulting from partial dynamic recrystallization during the β extrusion and the involvement of α phase during the near-β extrusion. The tensile and compressive tests results showed that both the strength and ductility of the tubes were significantly improved. In particular, the tubes exhibited good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ synthesised (TiC+TiB)/Ti–6Al–4V composites prepared by powder metallurgy

Abstract

Titanium matrix composites (TMCs) reinforced with hybrid reinforcements were synthesised by blending Ti–6Al–4V, Ti, B₄C and C powders followed by reactive hot pressing. The phases were identified by X-ray diffraction, and the microstructures were examined by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties were tested at room temperature (RT), 400, 450 and 500°C respectively. The results show that Ti–6Al–4V produced by hot pressing has higher strength and better plasticity than by casting; there are four kinds of reinforcements in TMCs, and the TMCs’ strength increases significantly with the addition of reinforcements both at RT and elevated temperature; the TMCs with 5 vol.-% of reinforcements have higher strength than that with 10 vol.-% at high temperature. The fracture surfaces were examined by SEM. It shows that the bond between the reinforcements and matrix is not so well that reinforcements’ debonding occurs even at RT.     

Effects of sintering parameters on the microstructure and tensile properties of in situ TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with a novel network architecture

In order to better understand the relationship of processing–structure–mechanical properties of in situ TiB whisker reinforced Ti6Al4V (TiBw/Ti64) composites with a novel network architecture, the effects of sintering parameters on the microstructure and tensile properties of the composites were investigated. TiB whiskers with the highest aspect ratio and the coarsest whiskers were obtained at 1100 °C and 1200 °C due to the skips of whisker growth speeds along the [0 1 0] direction and the [0 0 1] and [1 0 0] directions, respectively. Additionally, TiB whisker with a claw-like structure can be synthesized from one TiB₂ polycrystal parent. The quasi-continuous network architecture of TiBw/Ti64 composites can be achieved at higher sintering temperatures more than 1200 °C. The prepared composites with the quasi-continuous network architecture exhibit a superior combination of tensile properties.     

Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/Al2O3/SiC hybrid composite fabricated by accumulative roll bonding process

In this investigation, a new kind of metal matrix composites with a matrix of pure aluminum and hybrid reinforcement of Al₂O₃ and SiC particles was fabricated for the first time by anodizing followed by eight cycles accumulative roll bonding (ARB). The resulting microstructures and the corresponding mechanical properties of composites within different stages of ARB process were studied. It was found that with increasing the ARB cycles, alumina layers were fractured, resulting in homogenous distribution of Al₂O₃ particles in the aluminum matrix. Also, the distribution of SiC particles was improved and the porosity between particles and the matrix was decreased. It was observed that the tensile strength of composites improved by increasing the ARB passes, i.e. the tensile strength of the Al/1.6 vol.% Al₂O₃/1 vol.% SiC composite was measured to be about 3.1 times higher than as-received material. In addition, tensile strength of composites decreased by increasing volume fraction of SiC particles to more than 1 vol.%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of fractured surfaces showed that the failure mechanism of broken hybrid composite was shear ductile rupture.     

In situ TiC particles reinforced Ti6Al4V matrix composite with a network reinforcement architecture

TiC particles reinforced Ti6Al4V (TiCp/Ti6Al4V) composite with a network TiCp distribution has been successfully fabricated by reaction hot pressing of coarse Ti6Al4V particles and fine carbon powders. TiC particles are in situ synthesized around the boundaries of the Ti6Al4V particles, and subsequently formed into a TiCp network structure. Contrary to the typical Widmanstätten microstructure for the monolithic Ti6Al4V alloy, an equiaxed (α + β) microstructure for the Ti6Al4V matrix of the composite is formed. This is due to the isotropic tensile stress generated by the network TiCp structure and the mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) during the phase transformation. The prepared composite exhibits superior compressive strength before and after heat-treatment due to the reinforcement network architecture and the relatively large matrix region with an equiaxed microstructure.     

Effects of volume ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of particle reinforced magnesium matrix composite

In the present study, the AZ91 alloy reinforced by (submicron + micron) SiCp with four kind volume ratio was fabricated by the semisolid stirring casting technology. The influence of volume ratio between submicron and micron SiCp on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg matrix was investigated. Results show that the submicron SiCp is more conducive to grain refinement as compared with micron SiCp. With the increase of volume ratio, the submicron particle dense regions increase and the average grain size decreases. The yield strength of bimodal size SiCp/AZ91 composite is higher than monolithic micron SiCp/AZ91composite. Both Δσ_Hall–Petch and Δσ_CTE increase as the volume ratio changes from 0:10, 0.5:9.5, 1:9 to 1.5:8.5. Among the composite with different volume ratio, the S-1.5 + 10-8.5 composite has the best mechanical properties. The interface debonding is found at the interface of micron SiCp-Mg. As the increase of volume ratio, the phenomenon of interface debonding weakens and the amount of dimples increases.     

Effects of extrusion and heat treatment on the microstructure and tensile properties of in situ TiBw/Ti6Al4V composite with a network architecture

In situ TiB whisker reinforced Ti6Al4V (TiBw/Ti64) composites with a network architecture were extruded and heat treated in order to further improve their mechanical properties. The microstructure results show that the equiaxed network architecture was extruded to column network architecture and TiB whisker to alignment distribution. The transformed β phase is formed and the residual stress generated during extrusion obviously decreases after water quenching and aging processes. The tensile test results show that the strength, elastic modulus and ductility of the composites can be significantly improved by the subsequent extrusion, and then, the strength can be further improved by water quenching and aging processes after hot extrusion deformation. The elastic modulus of the as-sintered composites with a novel network microstructure follows the upper bound of Hashin-Shtrikman (H-S) theory before extrusion, while that of the as-extruded composites with a column network microstructure agrees well with the prediction from Halpin-Tsai equation.     

Interfacial microstructure and strengthening mechanism in Ti–6Al–4V reinforced Al-7075 alloy

In the present study, an Al-7075 alloy reinforced with 15?wt-% TC4 (Ti–6Al–4V) was synthesised by hot pressing. The results of transmission electron microscopy suggest that a well-bonded multilayer interface was created, and that the multilayer has the ability to limit crack initiation at the interface. Sintering at 913?K for 0.5?h proved to be the most effective procedure for limiting the sources of cracking inside the multilayer interface, resulting in an enhanced tensile strength and a compressive strength for the composite of 454 and 873?MPa, respectively. The desired multilayer structure and the strengthening mechanism are discussed in detail. This structure provides guidance for the development of new methods for fabricating composites with excellent mechanical properties.     

Tool wear and its effect on microstructure and properties of friction stir processed Ti–6Al–4V

Ti–6Al–4V alloy was subjected to friction stir processing at rotation rates of 400, 800 and 1200 rpm using a polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (pcBN) tool and tool wear at different travel distances was investigated. At high rotation rates of 800 and 1200 rpm, the greatest tool wear, including mechanical and chemical wear, occurred at the initial tool plunge point. Detailed microstructural examinations on the tool plunge point at 1200 rpm by transmission electron microscopy indicated that the “onion ring” structure in the stir zone was caused by a variation in the distribution of TiB particles. Two similar but not identical spatial phase sequences around BN particles, BN–TiB₂–TiB–α-Ti (N) and BN–TiB₂–TiB–transformed β-Ti (N), as well as Ti2N phase were identified. The reaction mechanism between the tool and the Ti matrix was discussed. Moreover, when the tool wear reached a steady-state condition, the effect of tool wear on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the stir zone was evaluated. A fully transformed β with a Widmanstatten structure was observed at all rotation rates and the average size of prior β grains increased with the rotation rate. The tool wear led to an increment in hardness and tensile strength but a loss of ductility of the stir zone.     

Mechanical properties of titanium-based Ti–6Al–4V alloys manufactured by powder bed additive manufacture

Additive manufacturing is currently a topic of considerable interest at both academic and industrial levels. While a significant amount of data exists on the mechanical properties and structure–property relationships of traditional wrought alloys, less information is available on alloys manufactured by additive manufacture. This review examines current state-of-the-art manufacture of titanium-based Ti–6Al–4V alloys by powder bed additive manufacture. Published mechanical properties to date are collected which include tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, wear, fracture toughness and fatigue. Differences in microstructure and properties compared to conventional wrought alloys of the same composition are described.     

Influence of in situ formed ZrB2 particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of AA6061 metal matrix composites

Particulate reinforced metal matrix composites (PMMCs) have gained considerable amount of research emphasis and attention in the present era. Research is being carried out across the globe to produce new combination of PMMCs. PMMCs are prepared by adding a variety of ceramic particles with monolithic alloys using several techniques. An attempt has been made to produce aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced with zirconium boride (ZrB₂) particles by the in situ reaction of K₂ZrF₆ and KBF₄ salts with molten aluminium. The influence of in situ formed ZrB₂ particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AA6061 alloy was studied in this work. The in situ formed ZrB₂ particles significantly refined the microstructure and enhanced the mechanical properties of AA6061 alloy. The weight percentage of ZrB₂ was varied from 0 to 10 in steps of 2.5. Improvement of hardness, ultimate tensile strength and wear resistance of AA6061 alloy was observed with the increase in ZrB₂ content.     

Processing,microstructure and mechanical properties of micro-SiC particles reinforced magnesium matrix composites fabricated by stir casting assisted by ultrasonic treatment processing

The novel stir casting assisted by ultrasonic treatment processing was studied. Unlike traditional stir casting, short semi-solid stir time was needed for addition and pre-dispersion of the particles in the novel processing. For ultrasonic treatment, there existed an optimal time. Both too short and too long time for the treatment resulted in nonhomogeneous particle distribution. Furthermore, the liquid stirring after ultrasonic treatment was proved to be necessary to further improve particle distribution. The mechanical properties of the composites fabricated by different parameters indicated that ultrasonic treatment evidently improved the mechanical properties compared with traditional stir casting. 5–20% SiCp/AZ91 composites were fabricated by the novel processing. The particle distribution was uniform in these composites. The grains were refined by addition of SiC particles. Grain sizes of composites decreased with the increases of particle contents. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elastic modulus were enhanced as the particle contents increased.     

Influence of pyrocarbon amount in C/C preform on the microstructure and properties of C/ZrC composites prepared via reactive melt infiltration

C/ZrC composites were prepared via reactive melt infiltration with zirconium from porous C/C preforms with various pyrocarbon contents. As the pyrocarbon amount in C/C preform increased from 34.1 vol.% to 61.7 vol.%, the densification of C/ZrC composites was hindered and the ZrC content in C/ZrC composites decreased gradually from 35.3 vol.% to 6.3 vol.%. Meanwhile, the flexural strength of C/ZrC composites decreased initially and then increased, but the flexural modulus rose continuously. The flexural strength and modulus of the composites fabricated from the preform with 34.1 vol.% pyrocarbon matrix were 181 ± 4 MPa and 13.0 ± 1.2 GPa, respectively, and the mass loss rate and linear recession rate were 0.0031 g/s and 0.0012 mm/s, respectively.     

Effect of fabrication process on the microstructure and dynamic compressive properties of SiCp/Al composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering

The effect of fabrication process on the microstructure and dynamic properties of SiC_p/Al composites was studied in this paper. Pure Al matrix composites reinforced with 20 vol.% SiC particles were fabricated by spark plasma sintering, and the pre-blended powders were prepared by two different processes. One was to mix the powders in conical flask by using a mechanical stirrer, and the other was the mechanical alloying process by using a planetary ball mill. The sintering temperature was also explored. The conventional split Hopkinson pressure bar was used to test the dynamic properties of these composites. The results show that the sintering temperature significantly affects the consolidation of the composites. The composites, which have not been fully densified, have very loose microstructure and poor mechanical properties. Mechanical alloying process can improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. These composites are rate dependent, their strengths increase with increasing strain rates.     

Effect of submicron size SiC particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium matrix composites

The magnesium matrix composites reinforced with three volume fractions (3, 5 and 10 vol.%) of submicron-SiC particles (∼0.5 μm) were fabricated by semisolid stirring assisted ultrasonic vibration method. With increasing the volume fraction of the submicron SiC particles (SiCp), the grain size of matrix in the SiCp/AZ31B composites was gradually decreased. Most of the submicron SiC particles exhibited homogeneous distribution in the SiCp/AZ31B composites. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the 10 vol.% SiCp/AZ31B composites were simultaneously improved. The study of interface between the submicron SiCp and the matrix in the SiCp/AZ31B composite suggested that submicron SiCp bonded well with the matrix without interfacial activity.     

Photo-induced properties of anodic oxide films on Ti6Al4V

Photocatalytic activity and wettability of the anodic oxide layer on Ti6Al4V prepared by anodization in a sulfuric acid electrolyte are explored. The oxide is composed mainly of TiO₂ with V₂O₅, VO₂ and Al₂O₃. The crystal structure of the TiO₂ varies from anatase to rutile with the sulfuric acid concentration in the electrolyte. Anatase exhibits better photocatalytic activity compared with rutile, which is different from those on Ti and Ti-Nb-Sn alloy. Contact angles of the oxides decrease with ultraviolet light illumination, and hydrophilicity is observed in the rutile oxide. Both photocatalytic activity and hydrophilicity are inferior to the corresponding Ti and Ti-Nb-Sn alloy, which is explained by the presence of Al₂O₃ in the anodic oxide.     

Effect of substitution of Si by Al on microstructure and synthesis behavior of Ti5Si3 based alloys fabricated by mechanically activated self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

The effect of substitution of Si by Al and mechanical activation on microstructure, phase composition, ignition and combustion temperature of Ti₅Si₃ based alloys and composites that were prepared by mechanically activated self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (MASHS) method was investigated. For this purpose elemental powders of titanium, silicon and aluminum were mixed according to the 5Ti + 3(1 − X)Si + 3XAl formula, where X = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analytical technique and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS) analyzer. The results have shown that formation of Ti₅Si₃ during milling stage is postponed by adding Al into the system. Presence of Al in the Ti–Si system have a significant effect on the phase composition of the final products. Substitutional solid solution of Ti₅(Si, Al)₃ and Ti₅Si₃–Ti₃Al composite are formed by increasing Al amount in the system. Furthermore combustion temperature and crystallites size of Ti₅Si₃ is reduced with addition of Al into the Ti–Si system. Moreover, solubility of Al in Ti₅Si₃ is increased with enhancing the X up to 0.4, after that, the solubility of Al in Ti₅Si₃ is ceased, due to achieving the solubility limit of Al in the Ti₅Si₃. The average crystallites size of Ti₅Si₃ are decreased with increasing milling time prior to the reaction.     

Corrosion and mechanical-microstructural aspects of dissimilar joints of Ti–6Al–4V and Al plates

In this study, Ti–6Al–4V and Al plates were joined by explosive welding at various explosive loads. Tensile-shear, bending, hardness, microstructure and corrosion behaviours of the explosively joined samples were investigated. At the end of the tensile-shear tests carried out according to ASTM D 3165-95 standard, no seperation was observed in the interfaces of the joined samples. The results of the bending tests also showed no sign of any distinctive seperation, crack and tear in the interfaces. The highest hardness values were measured in regions next to interfaces. The optical microscope and SEM examinations revealed that an increment in wavelength and amplitude was observed with increasing explosive load. It is seen from the corrosion test results that materials loss was high at the beginning of the corossion tests but the rate of material loss decreased later on. Furthermore, increasing deformation with increasing explosive load increased the materials loss in corrosion tests.