Tensile properties of in situ synthesized (TiB + La2O3)/β-Ti composite

A novel (TiB + La2O3)/Ti-alloy composite was In situ synthesized through homogeneously melting in a non-consumable vacuum arc remelting furnace. Ti–35Nb–2Ta–3Zr β titanium alloy was chosen as the matrix Ti-alloy and different mass fractions of LaB6 were chosen as additions. Microstructure observations were examined by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phase analysis was identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Largest ultimate tensile strength around 580 MPa and highest elongation around 30% is obtained in 0.1% LaB6-additioned specimen. The appearance of too many La2O3 particles and the reduction of oxygen in the matrix alloy also attribute much to the strength and plasticity of (TiB + La2O3)/Ti composites. Lower ultimate tensile strength around 526 MPa is obtained in 0.5% LaB6-additioned specimen.