Microstructure and mechanical properties of TC21 titanium alloy after heat treatment

Microstructure evolutions during different heat treatments and influence of microstructure on mechanical properties of TC21 titanium alloy were investigated. The results indicate that the excellent mechanical properties can be obtained by adopting air cooling after forging followed by heat treatment of (900 °C, 1 h, AC)+(590 °C, 4 h, AC). Deformation in single β field produces pan-like prior β grains, while annealing in single β field produces equiaxed prior β grains. Cooling rate after forging or annealing in single β field and the subsequent annealing on the top of α+β field determine the content and morphology of coarse α plates. During aging or the third annealing, fine secondary α plates precipitate. Both ultimate strength and yield strength decrease with the content increase of coarse α plates. Decreasing effective slip length and high crack propagation resistance increase the plasticity. The crisscross coarse α plates with large thickness are helpful to enhance the fracture toughness.