Microstructure and tensile properties of in situ synthesized (TiB+Y2O3)/Ti composites at elevated temperature

A novel titanium matrix composites reinforced with TiB and rare earth oxides (Y2O3) were prepared by a non-consumable arc-melting technology. Microstructures of the composites were observed by means of optical microscope (OM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the phases in the composites. There are three phases: TiB, Y2O3 and titanium matrix alloy. TiB grows in needle shape, whereas Y2O3 grows from near-equiaxed shape to dendritic shape with increase of yttrium content in the composite. The interfaces between reinforcements and titanium matrix are very clear. There is no interfacial reaction. 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. The results show that the tensile strength of the composites has a significant improvement at elevated temperatures. The predominant fracture mode of composites is cleavaged at 773 and 823 K. Fracture occurs by ductile failure at 873 K.