Mechanical Properties of TiB-Reinforced Ti-6Al-4V Using Matrix Powders with Different Particle Sizes and Morphologies

Abstract

It has been reported that TiB is one of the most effective reinforcement materials. In this study, TiB-reinforced Ti alloys were sintered by using spark plasma sintering (SPS). Compared with the conventional method, SPS can sinter for a short period of time and at low temperature. TiB is produced by TiB2 and Ti in the composite during sintering. Three types of Ti-6Al-4V matrix powders were used: hydride-dehydride powders with particle diameters of 45 µm and 25 µm and gas-atomized powder with a particle diameter of 45 µm. TiB-reinforced Ti-6Al-4V alloys were prepared from these powders by SPS. The mechanical properties of the alloys did not depend on the particle sizes but depended on the particle morphologies.