Effect of chromium content on electrical resistivity and tensile properties of Ti–Fe–Cr alloys

Abstract

The effects of substituting chromium for iron and the use of low cost ferrochromium alloys in the production of β-Ti–Fe–Cr alloys have been studied with respect to phase constitution, stability, and mechanical properties, in solution treated and quenched states using resistivity, hardness measurement, X-ray diffraction, and tensile testing. Resistivity at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures, and hardness decreased while the ratio of resistivity at liquid nitrogen temperature to that at room temperature increased with increases in chromium content. Alloys of Ti–Fe–Cr, with almost the same electron per atom value, with higher chromium content have smaller volume fractions of athermal omega than alloys with higher iron content. There is less solution hardening in the former alloys than in the latter alloys. Tensile strength decreased with increases in chromium content, while elongation and reduction in area significantly increased. The balance between tensile strength and ductility (elongation and reduction in area) improved in the alloys with added chromium as a substitute for iron. Therefore, no negative influences of ferrochromium alloying on mechanical properties was observed in this study.