Effects of sintering parameters on the microstructure and tensile properties of in situ TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with a novel network architecture

In order to better understand the relationship of processing–structure–mechanical properties of in situ TiB whisker reinforced Ti6Al4V (TiBw/Ti64) composites with a novel network architecture, the effects of sintering parameters on the microstructure and tensile properties of the composites were investigated. TiB whiskers with the highest aspect ratio and the coarsest whiskers were obtained at 1100 °C and 1200 °C due to the skips of whisker growth speeds along the [0 1 0] direction and the [0 0 1] and [1 0 0] directions, respectively. Additionally, TiB whisker with a claw-like structure can be synthesized from one TiB2 polycrystal parent. The quasi-continuous network architecture of TiBw/Ti64 composites can be achieved at higher sintering temperatures more than 1200 °C. The prepared composites with the quasi-continuous network architecture exhibit a superior combination of tensile properties.

► The present study firstly reports the relationship of processing-structure-mechanical properties of in situ TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with a novel network architecture.
► The formation mechanism of branched and dowel-like TiBw structures which can exploit a better strengthening effect is reported for the first time.
► Effects of sintering parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of this novel titanium matrix composites (TMCs) is also reported for the first time.