Effect of rare earth Ce addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract

• Effect of Ce on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V are studied. • Ti6Al4V alloy grains are significantly refined after adding Ce. • Ce combines with O in matrix to form CeO 2 , which is coherent with the alloy matrix. • The strength and ductility of Ti6Al4V containing 0.5wt.% Ce are obviously improved. • The frictional performance of Ti6Al4V containing 0.3wt.% Ce is obviously optimized. These Ti6Al4V-xCe (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 wt.%) were prepared by vacuum non consumable arc furnace. And the microstructure and comprehensive mechanical properties of these Ti6Al4V were systematically explored. The results show that the tensile strength and ductility of Ti6Al4V containing 0.5 wt.% Ce is significantly improved (Ultimate tensile strength: 978.1MPa; Elongation: 7.1%). And the wear resistance of Ti6Al4V containing 0.3 wt.% Ce is significantly optimized (Wear quality: 0.55mg). The excellent balance between strength and plasticity of Ti6Al4V is due to the significant grain refinement and the complete coherent relationship between ceria and Ti6Al4V matrix.