Microstructure evolution and its effect on mechanical properties of cast Ti48Al6NbxSi alloys

In order to improve mechanical properties of TiAlNb alloys, different contents of silicon were added into Ti48Al6Nb alloy. The Ti48Al6NbxSi (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5, at.%) alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting. The phase constitution, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the alloys were studied. Results show that the Ti48Al6NbxSi alloys consist of γ-TiAl phase, α₂-Ti₃Al phase and B2 phase, and Ti₅Si₃ silicide phase is formed when the addition of silicon is higher than 0.3at.%. The addition of silicon leads to the decrease in γ phase and increase in α₂ phase. The formation of silicide decreases the amount of Nb dissolved in the TiAl matrix, and therefore decreases B2 phase. Compressive tests show that the ultimate strength of the alloys increases from 2,063 MPa to 2,281 MPa with an increase in silicon from 0 to 0.5at.%, while the fracture strain decreases from 34.7% to 30.8%. The increase of compressive strength and decrease of fracture strain can be attributed to the decrease of B2 phase and the formation of Ti₅Si₃ phase by the addition of silicon. The strengthening mechanism is changed from solid solution strengthening when the addition of silicon is less than 0.3at.% to combination of solid solution strengthening and secondary phase strengthening when the addition of silicon is higher than 0.3at.%.