Ti-based nanostructured low-alloy with high strength and ductility

In the present work we introduce a nanostructured low-alloy-type α + β Ti-based alloy produced by tilt-casting method and subjected to subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment. It demonstrates good mechanical properties corresponding to high-alloy-type Ti-based alloys. After hot dual-axial forging at 900 °C Ti94Fe3Cu3 alloy, containing inexpensive alloying elements, showed a high ultimate tensile strength value of 1200 MPa and percentage elongation of 9%. It is shown that the intensive forging treatment is equivalent to severe plastic deformation and provides a nanostructured state (≈50–100 nm crystal size) of the alloy leading to significantly improved mechanical properties even in low-alloys.

► Ti94Fe3Cu3 alloy with good mechanical properties was produced by dual-axial forging.
► Alloy showed a high ultimate tensile strength of 1200 MPa and elongation of 9%.
► Intensive forging treatment provides a nanostructured state of the alloy.
► Quenching and age hardening, after dual-axial forging, leads to even higher strength.
► Proposed method of dual-axial forging does not require complex and expensive tools.