Microstructure and mechanical properties of duplex tiAl alloys containing Mn

A study has been made of the effect of Mn on the structure and compressive mechanical properties of duplex TiAl alloys. In order to clarify the separate effect of Mn and Al contents, the effect of Ti/Al ratio was also studied by analyzing the behavior of alloys with different Ti/Al ratios at the fixed Mn content. Addition of 3 at.% Mn to the binary Ti₅₃Al₄₇ alloy decreases the tetragonality and the unit cell volume of γ structure. It also promotes the formation of twin-related structure, the refinement of interlamellar spacing and grain size, and the increase in the volume fraction of lamellar grains. Increase in Ti/Al ratio at the fixed Mn content results in the further decrease in the tetragonality and unit cell volume and the refinement of grain size, while it decreases the volume fraction of lamellar grains. The modification of microstructure directly influences the compressive properties and deformation mode of duplex TiAl alloys. It has been found that Mn addition and increase in Ti/Al ratio enhance the plasticity of duplex alloys. Generation of mobile dislocations at the twin intersections has been found to occur in Mn containing alloys. Such dislocation generation at the twin intersections as well as the promotion of deformation twins in Mn containing alloys are all beneficial for improving the ductility of duplex TiAl alloys.