Effect of partial replacement of V with Nb on phase transformations and mechanical properties of Ti-5553 alloy

Ti-5553 is one of the most exhaustively studied metastable β Ti alloys for load-bearing applications thanks to its excellent properties. The effect of partially replacing V with Nb on phase transformations and mechanical properties of Ti-5553 was evaluated here. The modified alloy presented similar β phase decomposition and α phase precipitation behaviors, thus generating microstructures and mechanical properties very similar to those of the original alloy. However, hardenability was significantly improved, suggesting that this new alloy is promising for the manufacture of large section parts when β phase retention during processing is important.