High strength Ti–Fe–(In, Nb) composites with improved plasticity

Bulk Ti–Fe–(In, Nb) composites with high strength (∼2350 ± 50 MPa) and reasonably good ductility (plastic strain ∼4.5 ± 0.5%) have been produced in the form of 2 mm as-cast rods. Analysis of the microstructure by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicates that it consisted of β-Ti dendrites as a primary phase and Ti (Fe, In and/or Nb) (B2) + β-Ti (A2) as eutectic phase. Modification of atomic structure, degree of eutectic structure refinement and volume fraction of the constituent phases with the addition of In and Nb are the crucial factors in enhancing the mechanical properties of Ti–Fe–(In, Nb) composites.