Microstructural characterization and mechanical behavior of an AgAlNbTiZn complex composition alloy produced using powder metallurgy (P/M)

Abstract

This investigation is focused on a complex composition AgAlTiNbZn alloy manufactured by using the powder metallurgy (P/M) route. Four distinctive heat-treating temperatures are used (i.e. 580, 750, 850, 1000 °C). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used in order to characterize the resulting microstructural array obtained. Although, theoretical thermodynamic parameters from literature are used, a solid solution is not constituted. It is found that the TiAl intermetallics are neighboring the dispersed Nb particles. Besides, they are also embedded into an AgZn matrix. The examined AgAlNbTiZn alloy constitutes a complex multicomponent alloy (CCA). Its compressive strength is increased up to a heat-treating at 750 °C and decreased when at 850 and 1000 °C is carried out. A controlling of the second phase permits to preprogram the resulting mechanical strength of the alloy/composite examined.