Effect of particle size and manufacturing technique on the properties of the PM Ti-5Fe alloy

• Published in: International journal of refractory metals & hard materials 2020-08, Vol.90, p.105246, Article 105246
• Main Authors: Alshammari, Y., Raynova, S., Yang, F., Bolzoni, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloys; Blended elemental; Diamond pyramid hardness; Forging; Homogeneous microstructure; Low-cost titanium alloy; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Particle size; Porosity; Powder metallurgy; Sintering (powder metallurgy); Tensile properties; Texturing; Thermomechanical treatment; Titanium base alloys; Titanium powder metallurgy; β eutectoid stabiliser
• ISSN: 0263-4368; 2213-3917
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2020.105246

In this study the low-cost Ti-5Fe alloy was fabricated by means of the press and sinter powder metallurgy route considering two particle sizes and alternative processing techniques. The primary aim is to reduce the high costs associated with the production of Ti alloys. Thermomechanical processing by means of forging in the β region was also analysed aiming to enhance the mechanical behaviour. The effect of the processing conditions and of the particle size on the microstructure and the mechanical properties was thus investigated. It has been found that the use of larger Fe particles leads to the formation of larger pores due to the dissolution of the Fe powder particles. Consequently, lower mechanical behaviour, tensile properties and Vickers hardness, resulted due to the presence of larger pores. Refinement of the microstructure, texturing, and sealing of the porosity due to forging permits to enhance the mechanical properties with respect to the sintered Ti-5Fe alloy. •The Fe particle size significantly affects the porosity of PM Ti-5Fe.•Hot forging is effective to reduce and eliminate the residual porosity.•Elongated prior β grains with a fine α + β lamella sub-structure is achieved.•The mechanical behaviour strongly depends on powder type and processing condition.