Investigation of the structure and properties of hypereutectic Ti-based bulk alloys

Structure and mechanical properties of binary Ti-TM (TM-other transition metals) and ternary Ti-Fe-(TM, B or Si) alloys produced in the shape of the arc-melted ingots of about 25 mm diameter and 10 mm height are studied. The formation of high-strength and ductile hypereutectic alloys was achieved in the Ti-Fe, Ti-Fe-Cu and Ti-Fe-B systems. The structures of the high-strength and ductile hypereutectic alloys studied by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy were found to consist of the primary cubic Pm (3) over barm intermetallic compound (TiFe-phase or a solid solution on its base) and a dispersed eutectic consisting of this Im (3) over barm intermetallic compound + BCC Im (3) over barm beta-Ti supersaturated solid solution phase. The hypereutectic Ti-Fe alloy showed excellent compressive mechanical properties. The addition of Cu improves its ductility. B addition increased mechanical strength. Ni, Cr and Mn additions caused embrittlement owing to the formation of alternative intermetallic compounds. The deformation behaviour and the fractography of the Ti-based alloys were studied in details. The reasons for the high strength and good ductility of the hypereutectic alloys are discussed.