Microstructure and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy Ti-TiBw-xFe titanium matrix composites using Ti-TiBw composite powder

Abstract: The development of discontinuous reinforced titanium matrix composites (DRTMCs) provides a new idea to further improving the comprehensive mechanical properties of titanium alloys, which is expected to further expand their application fields to meet the new requirements of modern industry for metallic materials. In this study, the effects of Fe content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-TiBw-xFe composites were studied by adding alloying element Fe to Ti-TiBw composite powders. It was found that the grain size of α-Ti matrix was significantly refined with increasing Fe content. When Fe content was increased from 3.0 to 6.0 wt.%, the grain size of α-Ti decreased from 3.50 to 2.58 μm, representing a 26% decrease. Furthermore, the tensile strength of Ti-TiBw-6.0Fe reached 1065 MPa, which is 105.2% remarkable higher than that of Ti-TiBw with the same conditions, with an elongation at 5.3%. It was shown that the addition of Fe significantly improves the mechanical properties of Ti-TiBw-xFe composites. Solution strengthening, fine grain strengthening and load-bearing strengthening play a major role in improving the mechanical properties of Ti-TiBw-xFe composites. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].