Microstructure and mechanical properties control of γ-TiAl(Nb, Cr, Zr) intermetallic alloy by induction float zone processing

Abstract

Advanced Ti–44Al–5Nb–3Cr–1.5Zr (at.%) structural alloy was previously synthesized by the electron beam semi-continuous casting technique. The rod-shaped blanks of raw alloy with irregular coarse microstructure have been directionally upward re-solidified by the vertical induction float zone (FZ) technique in argon flow. FZ processing led to specific duplex microstructure creation consisting of (γ+α2) lamellar colonies and γ grains with minor intergranular fraction of B2 phase. The grain size, interlamellar spacing and ordered axial alignment of lamellae along the applied thermal gradient were controlled by FZ conditions. Structure, phase and elemental composition were analyzed with XRD, SEM, EBSD and hot gas extraction techniques. Mechanical properties were comparatively examined by uniaxial compression testing at ambient temperature. It was shown that (1) fine submicron interlamellar spacing; (2) ordered lamellae alignment; (3) relative volumetric ratio of (γ+α2)/γ/B2 structural-phase constituents and (4) dissolved oxygen content are the key parameters for controlling the compressive properties of FZ-alloy. Both yield strength, and ultimate compressive strength enhance drastically as a result of the FZ processing, being in correlation with the duplex microstructure development and refining of the material from oxygen.