Fabrication and compressive properties of porous TiAl-Mn intermetallics by powder metallurgical route

We investigated the effects of process parameters on the microstructure and compressive properties of reactive-sintered porous TiAl-based intermetallics. Different extrusion ratios were selected in order to change the as-extruded microstructure and thus obtain various types of porous structures (unidirectional and spherical pores) after reactive sintering. In addition, different environmental conditions, such as vacuum and air, were used during the reactive sintering stage. It was revealed that the compressive strength is influenced by the unidirectionalty of the pores. High unidirectionalty led to higher yield strength at room temparature and at 1073 K. The compressive properties of the porous TiAl intermetallics were also influenced by the environment where reactive sintering is carried out.