Simultaneous enhancements of strength and toughness by multiscale lamellar structure in Ti₂AlNb based intermetallic

Multi-scale lamellar structure significantly improves toughness of Ti₂AlNb based alloys, which are inherently brittle intermetallics, without compromising their strength. This structure was achieved through-B2-transus-forging (TBTF) combined with O + B2 two-phase region heat treatments. Various types of multi-scale lamellar structures were obtained by controlling the cooling rate after TBTF. These variations were mainly attributed to differences in the distribution, content, and size of the thick lamellar O phase and the size and crystallographic orientation of B2 grain. By analyzing the microstructural characteristics and crystallographic orientation near the crack propagation path, it was found that the crack propagation resistance of thick lamellae, sub grain and grain boundaries (GBs) O phase increased sequentially, accompanied by more tortuous crack propagation path. Moreover, B2 grains with high misorientation significantly deflected the crack propagation by cleavage ridges between adjoining cleavage planes. Additionally, the development of numerous secondary cleavage ridges, resulting from the transition through varying secondary cleavage planes in distinct sub B2 grains, further hindered the quick propagation of cracks. It was clarified that the cleavage planes were dominantly belonging to {110}. These findings provided valuable guidance for the design of damage tolerance strategies for Ti₂AlNb-based intermetallics.