Compression properties and work-hardening behavior of Ti2AlC/TiAl composites fabricated by combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation in the Ti–Al–Nb–C system

The Ti2AlC/TiAl composites are successfully fabricated utilizing the method of the combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation in the Ti–Al–Nb–C system and the effect of the (Nb–C) content on the compression properties and work-hardening behavior of the composites has been investigated. The compression properties and work-hardening capacity of the TiAl alloy improve remarkably with the addition of the (Nb–C) elements due to the formation of Ti2AlC particles and the solid solution of Nb in the TiAl matrix. The compression properties of the composites increase first then decrease with the increase in the (Nb–C) content and the TiAl–10 wt.% (Nb–C) sample possesses the best comprehensive compression properties and the highest work-hardening capacity.

► The TiAl composites were successfully fabricated in the Ti–Al–Nb–C system.
► The addition of the (Nb–C) improves the compression properties of the TiAl alloy.
► The work-hardening behavior of the Ti2AlC/TiAl composites was discussed in detail.