In-situ high-temperature EBSD characterization during a solution heat treatment of hot-rolled Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract

In the present study the spheroidization of the microstructure during a solution heat treatment of hot-rolled Ti-6Al-4V (in m.%) is investigated by means of in-situ high-temperature electron backscatter diffraction. This technique delivers phase and orientation data next to a visualization of the morphological transformation of a discrete microstructural section. A comparison based on macroscopic hardness values and the results of quasi-static tensile tests was drawn between two types of microstructures, i.e. as-rolled and equiaxed. Complementarily, X-ray diffraction and light-optical microscopy were carried out for additional phase fraction analysis. The methods applied contribute to an improved understanding of the heat treatment performed on textured Ti-6Al-4V plate material, which was produced via a mixed β/α + β hot-rolling route. Furthermore, the influence of the created texture on the mechanical properties is revealed. • Spheroidization of Ti-6Al-4V was traced in-situ via high-temperature EBSD. • Phase fractions were determined during the heat treatment's cooling segment. • Texture components were attributed via EBSD to distinct microstructural regions. • The contribution of texture to the mechanical properties is revealed.