Precipitation location of secondary phase and microstructural evolution during static recrystallization of as-cast Ti-25V-15Cr-0.3Si titanium alloy

The microstructural evolution and precipitation location of the secondary phase of an as-cast Ti-25V-15Cr-0.3Si titanium alloy were investigated via isothermal compression experiments and heat treatment. The average aspect (length-to-width) ratio, average area and size of the grains at different heat treatment temperatures and holding time were analyzed and the effects of deformation and annealing time on the grain area and size were considered. It was found that the grain size was strongly influenced by the height reduction and holding time. Grain growth was significant when annealing time increased from 10 min to 2 h at 950 °C and height reduction of 30%; however, grain growth was minimal at annealing time between 2 and 4 h. Many dispersion particles were observed to form in continuous chains; the precipitation location was confirmed to be along initial grain boundaries, and the dispersion particles were identified to be Ti₅Si₃ phase by TEM.