Optimization of Low-Cost Ti-35421 Titanium Alloy: Phase Transformation, Bimodal Microstructure, and Combinatorial Mechanical Properties

oleh: Fuwen Chen, Guanglong Xu, Yuwen Cui, Hui Chang

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2019-08-01

Deskripsi

A sophisticated understanding of phase transformations and microstructure evolution is crucial in mechanical property optimization for the newly developed low-cost Ti-35421 (Ti-3Al-5Mo-4Cr-2Zr-1Fe wt.%) titanium alloy. The phase transformations in dual-phase Ti-35421 were studied by experiments and thermo-kinetic modeling. The phase transformation reactions and temperature ranges were determined as &#946;&#8594;&#945;<sub>lamellar</sub> [410&#8722;660 &#176;C], &#945;<sub>lamellar</sub>&#8594;&#946; [660&#8722;740 &#176;C], &#945;<sub>lath</sub>&#8594;&#946; [740&#8722;825 &#176;C]. The Gibbs-Thomson effect and multicomponent diffusivities were proven to be responsible for the distinguishing behaviors of growth and dissolution between two &#945; phases. The aging temperature of 540 &#176;C was optimized based on calculations. It introduced a bimodal microstructure containing stubby &#945; lamellae and &#946; matrix. The mechanical properties of bimodal Ti-35421 were tested and compared with baseline alloy Ti-B19 and other near-&#946; titanium alloys. The 540 &#176;C aged alloy exhibits an optimal combination of mechanical properties with tensile strength of 1313 MPa, yield strength of 1240 MPa, elongation of 8.62%, and fracture toughness of 75.8 MPa&#183;m<sup>1/2</sup>. The bimodal Ti-35421 shows comparable performance to Ti-B19 but has lower cost in raw materials and processing. The results also demonstrate that thermo-kinetic modeling can effectively be utilized in tailoring microstructure and enhancing mechanical properties.