Tensile properties of in situ synthesized titanium matrix composites reinforced by TiB and Nd2O3 at elevated temperature

Titanium matrix composites reinforced with TiB and Nd2O3 were prepared by a non-consumable arc-melting technology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the phases in the composites. Microstructures of the composites were observed by means of optical microscope (OM). There are three phases: TiB, Nd2O3 and titanium matrix. TiB grows in needle shape, whereas Nd2O3 grows in lath shape. Tensile properties of the composites were tested at 773, 823 and 873 K. Both the fracture surfaces and longitudinal sections of the fractured tensile specimens were comprehensively examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The fracture mode and fracture process at different temperatures were analyzed and explained. It shows that the tensile strength of the composites has a significant improvement at elevated temperatures compared to titanium matrix. The ductility of the composites improves with the content of neodymium and the test temperatures. The titanium composite exhibits different fracture modes at different test temperatures.