Microstructure and tensile properties after thermohydrogen processing of Ti–6Al–4V

Thermohydrogen processing (THP), a technique in which hydrogen is used as a temporary alloying element, can refine the microstructure and improve the final mechanical properties of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy. THP allows microstructural modification of titanium alloys near net shape such as biomaterial components obtained by powder metallurgy and castings, since it does not require mechanical working. Two THP, called THP-A and THP-B, have been evaluated in samples of Ti–6Al–4V with a coarse and lamellar microstructure typical of castings and powder metallurgy. The THP-A is based in the eutectoid decomposition of the β H phase to α phase and hydride phase. The THP-B is based in the isothermal decomposition of α ″ martensite phase, obtained by quenching of hydrogenated samples. The refinement of the microstructure due to THP has been evaluated by means of optical and electron microscopy. Tensile tests showed that while both processes were able to increase the strength of the alloy as compared with the starting material, the ductility in samples subjected to THP-B was severely reduced.