Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of laser additive manufactured Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr alloy

The microstructure, microhardness and tensile properties of laser additive manufactured (LAM) Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo- 4Cr alloy were investigated. The result shows that the microstructure evolution is strongly affected by the thermal history of LAM process. Primary α (αp) with different morphologies, secondary α (αs) and martensite α′ can be observed at different positions of the LAMed specimen. Annealing treatment can promote the precipitation of rib-like α phase or acicular α phase. As a result, it can increase or decrease the microhardness. The as-deposited L-direction and T-direction specimens contain the same phase constituent with different morphologies. The tensile properties of the as-deposited LAMed specimens are characterized of anisotropy. The L-direction specimen shows the character of low strength but high ductility when compared with the T-direction specimen. After annealing treatment, the strength of L-direction specimen increases significantly while the ductility reduces. The strength of the annealed T-direction specimen changes little, however, the ductility reduces nearly by 50%.