Orientation relationship in a Ti/TiB metal-matrix composite

• Published in: Materials letters 2017-01, Vol.186, p.168-170
• Main Authors: Ozerov, M., Klimova, M., Vyazmin, A., Stepanov, N., Zherebtsov, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beta phase; Composite materials; Interfaces; Materials science; Mathematical analysis; Metal matrix composites; Microstructure; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanocrystals; Orientation; Orientation relationship; Orientation relationships; Particulate composites; Phase transformations; Spark plasma sintering; Titanium; Titanium alloy; Titanium alloys; Titanium diboride
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2016.09.124

The microstructure and orientation relationships (OR) of a Ti/TiB metal-matrix composite produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using a Ti-10wt%TiB2 mixture at temperatures corresponding to either the α or the β phase fields of titanium (850 or 1000°C, respectively) was studied. During SPS, an in situ chemical reaction between TiB2 and Ti resulted in the formation of nanosized TiB whiskers. An increase in the SPS temperature caused a decrease in the fraction of the retained TiB2 and an increase in the diameter of the TiB whiskers. The mutual α-Ti and TiB phase orientation depended on the SPS temperature and did not necessarily correspond with the known OR. Corresponding orientations of phases in case of the sintering at temperatures greater than the α↔β transition were calculated. •Ti/TiB composite was produced by spark plasma sintering in the α or β phase field.•Nanosized TiB whiskers formed during SPS due to reaction between TiB2 and Ti.•Orientation relationship between α-Ti and TiB depended on the sintering temperature.•Mutual Ti/TiB phase orientations affected by the β→α phase transition was calculated.