Hierarchical transition structure induced by gradient composition distribution in layered Ti-TiNb alloy

In this study, a hierarchical transition structure including multiphase architectures, caused by elemental gradients, is obtained in the investigated layered Ti-TiNb alloy. The formation of hierarchical transition structure enriches the component types of the layered Ti-TiNb alloy from 2 types to 7 types. Special attention was paid to the architectures consisting of α-phase in two shapes and nano-sized ω-phase, introduced by heterogeneously precipitating behavior. This study may serve as a template for designing and developing new class of layered metal materials with multi-component features.