Effect of carbon element on mechanical properties of in situ 5 vol% TiC/Ti-1100 composite

Abstract

In the present work, samples which were added various contents of C into Ti-1100 alloy were prepared, and in situ 5 vol% TiC/Ti-1100 composite was prepared. The microstructure of samples after hot-forging was examined using optical microscopy (OM). Mechanical properties of the samples were tested by tensile tests at ambient temperature and 873 K, respectively. Fractography of the composite was performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that C element increases strength of Ti-1100 alloy obviously. But the strengthening mechanism of C in the composite was different at ambient temperature and 873 K. Compared to monolithic Ti-1100 alloy, the increase in strength at ambient temperature mainly results from solute C element in matrix, but at 873 K, the increase in strength also results from TiC particles. © 2006 The Japan Institute of Metals.