Hot forming behaviour of Ti–Al–Zr–Si “in situ” metal matrix composite by means of hot torsion tests

The hot deformation behaviour of in situ Ti-based composite, namely Ti–10Al–3.8Zr–1.3Si, was studied in the present work. The material plasticity and ductility was evaluated by means of hot torsion tests performed in the temperature and strain rate ranges of 950–1000 °C and 5 × 10−1–10−3 s−1, respectively. TEM observations were performed on the as-cast and after homogenisation deformation in order to observe the microstructural behaviour and to observe the formation of reinforcing phases. Optical and SEM studies revealed that the material consists of α’-lamellas with β-phase layers along their boundaries and secondary nanometric silicides of TiAlx(Si, Zr)y composition.