Microstructure characterization and tensile properties of β phase containing TiAl pancake

The microstructure and tensile properties of Ti–44Al–6V–3Nb–0.3Y (at.%) alloy after canned forging were investigated. SEM results showed that the TiAl pancake exhibits inhomogeneous microstructure, which can be ascribed to the temperature drop and friction between billet and outer pack during forging, as well as the intrinsic anisotropy of lamellar colony. By means of TEM observation and EBSD analysis, the microstructure in the dominant area of the pancake was further characterized. This deformation area consists of 87.7% content of γ grains plus some refined lamellar colonies and the rest of B2 grains. The grain size ranges between 1 μm and 8.5 μm. High-angle boundaries dominate the deformation microstructure, several substructures and twins are observed as well. Additionally, current forged alloy exhibits excellent high temperature tensile strength and noteworthy yield stress anomaly (YSA), with ultimate tensile strength 680 MPa and yield strength 620 MPa at room temperature, increasing to 850 MPa and 750 MPa at 700 °C, respectively. The anomalous strengthening of current TiAl alloy is temperature dependent and can be interpreted by the dislocation cross-slip pinning mechanism.

► This TiAl pancake exhibits inhomogeneous microstructure.
► The nonuniform microstructure is caused by heat loss, friction and anisotropy.
► Current forged alloy exhibits excellent tensile strength and yield stress anomaly.
► The YSA can be interpreted by the dislocation cross-slip pinning mechanism.