Microstructure and strengthening mechanism of boride in-situ reinforced titanium matrix composites prepared by plasma activated sintering

Abstract

In this study, titanium matrix composites (TMCs) were prepared by plasma activated sintering. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were studied, and the strengthening mechanism was determined. The results showed that the main phases of Ti-rich samples are TiB, α-Ti and β-Ti, while the primary phases of TiB2-rich samples are TiB2 and TiB. The composites containing 70 wt%TC4-30 wt%TiB2 demonstrated the best performance which achieved a balance of high strength and ductility, with a yield strength of 1800 ± 28 MPa and compressive strength of 2215 ± 39 MPa. The key reinforcing and toughening mechanisms were due to the dislocation defects and stacking faults in the samples, which consume more fracture energy during crack propagation and comprehensively improve the strength and toughness of the composites. Furthermore, crack deflection and whisker pull-out caused by TiB can toughen the composites.