Thermal stability of in situ synthesized (TiB + La2O3)/Ti composite

Thermal stability of in situ synthesized (TiB + La₂O₃)/Ti composite is investigated. The phase analysis is identified by X-ray diffraction. Microstructure of the melted and forged titanium matrix composites (TMCs) after heat treatment is characterized by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The room temperature tensile properties after an additional thermal exposure at 873 K, 923 K or 973 K for 100 h are tested. After the thermal exposure, the strength of specimen increases and ductility decreases. This is attributed to precipitation of ordered α₂ phase (Ti₃Al) and S₁ (silicide) in the titanium matrix composites after the thermal exposure.