Oxidation behavior of in situ TiCp/Ti6Al4V composite with self-assembled network microstructure fabricated by reaction hot pressing

This study focuses on an attempt to improve the oxidation resistance of titanium matrix composites (TMCs) by tailoring an in situ TiC particles reinforced Ti6Al4V (TiCp/Ti64) composites with a novel three-dimensional (3D) network microstructure. The oxidation behavior of the novel composite was investigated in air, between a temperature range of 873–1073 K for 100 h. Oxidation kinetics and microstructural observation reveal that the novel composite exhibits a superior oxidation resistance due to the 3D network microstructure and a self-assembled TiCp wall. The networked microstructure not only effectively blocks oxygen diffusion but also decreases growth and spallation of the oxidation scales.

► The oxidation resistance is significantly increased by tailoring honeycomb microstructure.
► The honeycomb microstructure of in situ TiCp/Ti64 composite is formed by self-assembling TiC wall.
► The honeycomb/network microstructure effectively improves the oxidation scale detachment.