Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and properties of Ti₂AlNb alloy formed by selective laser melting

The Ti₂AlNb alloy exhibits characteristics such as remarkable specific strength and resistance to high-temperature oxidation. Parts fabricated from Ti₂AlNb can substantially decrease weight while maintaining performance, hence presenting extensive application potential in aircraft. This study systematically examines the microstructural evolution and its influence on the mechanical properties of Ti₂AlNb alloy, produced via Selective Laser Melting (SLM), in response to the demand for high-performance Ti₂AlNb alloys under various temperature solution treatments and uniform aging treatments (B2, B2+α₂, B2+α₂+O). It was found that the alloy's microstructure showed significant differences in different phase regions after heat treatment, especially the close correlation between the distribution number of O phase and its morphological characteristics and the comprehensive properties of the alloy. These results have significant implications for enhancing the use of Ti₂AlNb alloy in the manufacturing, aerospace, and energy industries. They also offer a crucial theoretical foundation for optimizing the heat treatment procedure of this alloy, which SLM prepares.