Recent innovations in laser additive manufacturing of titanium alloys

Titanium(Ti)alloys are widely used in high-tech fields like aerospace and biomedical engineering.Laser additive manufacturing(LAM),as an innovative technology,is the key driver for the development of Ti alloys.Despite the significant advancements in LAM of Ti alloys,there remain challenges that need further research and development efforts.To recap the potential of LAM high-performance Ti alloy,this article systematically reviews LAM Ti alloys with up-to-date information on process,materials,and properties.Several feasible solutions to advance LAM Ti alloys are reviewed,including intelligent process parameters optimization,LAM process innovation with auxiliary fields and novel Ti alloys customization for LAM.The auxiliary energy fields(e.g.thermal,acoustic,mechanical deformation and magnetic fields)can affect the melt pool dynamics and solidification behaviour during LAM of Ti alloys,altering microstructures and mechanical performances.Different kinds of novel Ti alloys customized for LAM,like peritecticα-Ti,eutectoid(α+β)-Ti,hybrid(α+β)-Ti,isomorphousβ-Ti and eutecticβ-Ti alloys are reviewed in detail.Furthermore,machine learning in accelerating the LAM process optimization and new materials development is also outlooked.This review summarizes the material properties and performance envelops and benchmarks the research achievements in LAM of Ti alloys.In addition,the perspectives and further trends in LAM of Ti alloys are also highlighted.

Phase transformation in titanium alloys:A review

Due to a series of exceptional properties,titanium and titanium alloys have received extensive attention in recent years.Different from other alloy systems,there are two allotropes and a sequence of metastable phases in titanium alloys.By summarizing the recent investigations,the phase transformation processes corresponding to the common phases and also some less reported phases are reviewed.For the phase transformation only involvingαandβphases,it can be divided intoβ→αtransformation and a reverse transformation.The former one has been demonstrated from the orientation relationship betweenαandβphases and the regulation ofαmorphology.For the latter transformation,the role of the stress has been discussed.In terms of the metastable phases,the mechanisms of phase formation and their effects on microstructure and mechanical properties have been discussed.Finally,some suggestions about the development of titanium alloys have been proposed.

Comparison of electrochemical behaviors of Ti-5Al-2Sn-4Zr-4Mo-2Cr-1Fe and Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloys in NaNO_(3) solution

The Ti-5Al-2Sn-4Zr-4Mo-2Cr-1Fe(β-CEZ)alloy is considered as a potential structural material in the aviation industry due to its outstanding strength and corrosion resistance.Electrochemical machining(ECM)is an efficient and low-cost technology for manufacturing theβ-CEZ alloy.In ECM,the machining parameter selection and tool design are based on the electrochemical dissolution behavior of the materials.In this study,the electrochemical dissolution behaviors of theβ-CEZ and Ti-6Al-4V(TC4)alloys in NaNO3solution are discussed.The open circuit potential(OCP),Tafel polarization,potentiodynamic polarization,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS),and current efficiency curves of theβ-CEZ and TC4 alloys are analyzed.The results show that,compared to the TC4 alloy,the passivation film structure is denser and the charge transfer resistance in the dissolution process is greater for theβ-CEZ alloy.Moreover,the dissolved surface morphology of the two titanium-based alloys under different current densities are analyzed.Under low current densities,theβ-CEZ alloy surface comprises dissolution pits and dissolved products,while the TC4 alloy surface comprises a porous honeycomb structure.Under high current densities,the surface waviness of both the alloys improves and the TC4 alloy surface is flatter and smoother than theβ-CEZ alloy surface.Finally,the electrochemical dissolution models ofβ-CEZ and TC4 alloys are proposed.

Frictional ignition of Ti40 fireproof titanium alloys for aero-engine in oxygen-containing media

The effect of friction pressure p and oxygen concentration xo on the fireproof performance of Ti40 titanium alloy was studied by frictional ignition test, the U--Xo relationship quantitatively describing the fireproof performance of Ti40 was established and the fireproof mechanism of Ti40 was analyzed by SEM, XRD and EDS. The results show that the p--xo relationship of Ti40 obeys parabolic rule. The varying range of xo is about 25% while p varies within 0.1-0.25 MPa. When Xo is 〉70%, Ti40 is ignited immediately at room temperature and develops into continual and steady burning, and the duration of burning is more than 10 s. The fireproof performance of Ti40 is better than TC4 while xo of Ti40 is at least 40% higher than TC4. When Xo is low, the fireproof performance of Ti40 is more sensitive to p; when Xo increases, it is more sensitive to Xo. The forming of fused oxides of V205, TiO2 and Cr203 with strong inner interaction during friction is the basic reason of high fireproof performance of Ti40.

Rheological characteristics of injection molded titanium alloys powder

Ti-6Al-4V alloy powder was taken as raw material. 60%（mass fraction） paraffin, 35%low density polyethylene and 5%stearic acid were employed as binders to prepare injection feedstocks. Capillary rheometer was adopted to determine the rheological parameters and to analyze the rheological properties of the feedstocks at different milling time, powder loading and temperature. It is indicated through the results that the viscosity increases and the value of n decreases with the increase of milling time. The more the powder loading is, the higher the viscosity is. The empirical formula on the relationship between the viscosity and the powder loading is： ηr=η/ηb=A（1-Ф/Фmax）/^- m . The value m is calculated as 0.33. The flow activation energy Ea decreases with the increase of shear rate.

Microstructure and tensile properties of low cost titanium alloys at different cooling rate

Titanium and titanium alloys have several advantages, but the cost of titanium alloys is very expensive compared with the traditional metal materials. This article introduces two new low-cost titanium alloys Ti-2.1Cr-1.3Fe (TCF alloy) and Ti-3Al-2.1Cr-1.3Fe (TACF alloy). In this study, we used Cr-Fe master alloy as one of the raw materials to develop the two new alloys. We introduce the microstructure and tensile properties of the two new alloys from β solution treated with different cooling methods. Optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to analyze the phase constitution, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the fracture surfaces. The results indicate that the microstructures consist of β grain boundary and α′ martensite after water quenching (WQ), β matrix and α phase after air cooling (AC) and furnace cooling (FC), respectively. Also, the microstructure is the typical basketweave structures after FC. Of course, athermal ω is also observed by TEM after WQ. The strength increases with decreasing cooling rates and the plasticity is reversed. Because of the athermal ω, the strength and ductility are highest and lowest when the cooling method is WQ. The strength of TACF alloy is higher than the TCF alloy, but the plasticity is lower. The fracture surfaces are almost entirely covered with dimples under the cooling methods of AC and FC. Also, we observe an intergranular fracture area that is generated by athermal ω, although some dimples are observed after WQ.

Effect of Carburization on the Mechanical Properties of Biomedical Grade Titanium Alloys

Titanium cermets were successfully synthesized on the surface of biomedical grade titanium alloys by using sequential carburization method. The mechanical properties such as hardness, fracture toughness and plasticity were measured to estimate the potential application of titanium cermets. The results show that after carburization the surface hardness of titanium cermets was 778 HV, with a significant improvement of 128% compared with that of titanium alloys. In addition, the fracture toughness of titanium cermets was 21.5 × 10^6 Pa.m^1/2, much higher than that of other ceramics. Furthermore, the analysis of the loading-unloading curve in the nanoindentation test also indicates that the plasticity of titanium cermet reached 32.1%, a relatively high value which illustrates the combination of the metal and ceramics properties. The results suggest that sequential carburization should be an efficient way to produce titanium cermets with hard surface, high toughness and plasticity.

Effect of α phase on evolution of oxygen-rich layer on titanium alloys

In order to understand the evolution of oxygen-rich layer (ORL) on titanium alloys, the near α titanium alloy TA15 and α+β type titanium alloy TC4 were thermally exposed in air at 850 °C to evaluate the effect of α phase content on formation and evolution of ORL, and the stability and diffusion of oxygen in α- and β-Ti were investigated by first principles calculations to reveal the oxygen diffusion rate. TA15 with more α phases has a higher diffusion coefficient of ORL evolution than TC4, resulting in forming thicker ORL on TA15 under the same thermal exposure condition. The first principles calculations indicate that octahedral interstice of α-Ti is the most stable site for oxygen atom. The nearest neighbor diffusion between octahedral interstices along the [0001] direction in α-Ti presenting the lowest activation energy is the most favorable oxygen diffusion mechanism in α- and β-Ti.

Effect of nitriding-sulfurizing composite treatment on the tribological behavior of titanium alloys

A composite layer was prepared on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy by nitriding-sulfurizing composite treatment,and its microstructure and phase structure were examined by scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and X-ray diffraction（XRD）,respectively.The tribological performance was measured to investigate its dependence on the nitriding-sulfurizing composite treatment process.The results indicated that the composite layer was mainly comprised of Ti2N,TiN,and TiS2.It was found that the composite layer exhibited superior tribological properties under dry friction and absolute sliding conditions due to the formation of sulfides with self-lubricating function.

Fracture strength evaluation of titanium alloys using modified average stress criterion

Structural integrity procedures were used to demonstrate the fitness for the purpose of engineering components transmitting loads. The prediction of the fracture strength of titanium alloys containing sharp notches through the damage model depends on the un-notched strength and the critical length of the damage zone ahead of the notch. In general, the critical length of the damage zone depends on the material, specimen, and size of the sharp notch. Modifications were made in one of the stress fracture criteria known as the average stress criterion for accurate prediction of notched tensile strength of titanium alloy specimen containing sharp notches. To examine the adequacy of these modifications, fracture data of center-cracked titanium alloys with various thicknesses are considered. The notched （fracture） strength estimates are found to be close to the test results. The modified average stress criterion is very simple to predict the notched tensile strength.

Development of a database system for operational use in the selection of titanium alloys

The selection of titanium alloys has become a complex decision-making task due to the growing number of creation and utilization for titanium alloys,with each having its own characteristics,advantages,and limitations.In choosing the most appropriate titanium alloys,it is very essential to offer a reasonable and intelligent service for technical engineers.One possible solution of this problem is to develop a database system（DS） to help retrieve rational proposals from different databases and information sources and analyze them to provide useful and explicit information.For this purpose,a design strategy of the fuzzy set theory is proposed,and a distributed database system is developed.Through ranking of the candidate titanium alloys,the most suitable material is determined.It is found that the selection results are in good agreement with the practical situation.

High-efficiency forming processes for complex thin-walled titanium alloys components: state-of-the-art and perspectives

Complex thin-walled titanium alloy components play a key role in the aircraft,aerospace and marine industries,offering the advantages of reduced weight and increased thermal resistance.The geometrical complexity,dimensional accuracy and in-service properties are essential to fulfill the high-performance standards required in new transportation systems,which brings new challenges to titanium alloy forming technologies.Traditional forming processes,such as superplastic forming or hot pressing,cannot meet all demands of modern applications due to their limited properties,low productivity and high cost.This has encouraged industry and research groups to develop novel high-efficiency forming processes.Hot gas pressure forming and hot stamping-quenching technologies have been developed for the manufacture of tubular and panel components,and are believed to be the cut-edge processes guaranteeing dimensional accuracy,microstructure and mechanical properties.This article intends to provide a critical review of high-efficiency titanium alloy forming processes,concentrating on latest investigations of controlling dimensional accuracy,microstructure and properties.The advantages and limitations of individual forming process are comprehensively analyzed,through which,future research trends of high-efficiency forming are identified including trends in process integration,processing window design,full cycle and multi-objective optimization.This review aims to provide a guide for researchers and process designers on the manufacture of thin-walled titanium alloy components whilst achieving high dimensional accuracy and satisfying performance properties with high efficiency and low cost.

Challenges in laser-assisted milling of titanium alloys

Several detailed studies have comprehensively investigated the benefits and limitations of laser-assisted machining(LAM)of titanium alloys.These studies have highlighted the positive impact of the application of laser preheating on reducing cutting forces and improving productivity but have also identified the detrimental effect of LAM on tool life.This paper seeks to evaluate a series of the most common cutting tools with different coating types used in the machining of titanium alloys to identify whether coating type has a dramatic effect on the dominant tool wear mechanisms active during the process.The findings provide a clear illustration that the challenges facing the application of LAM are associated with the development of new types of cutting tools which are not subjected to the diffusion-controlled wear processes that dominate the performance of current cutting tools.

Sensitivity analysis on globularized fraction of α lamellae in titanium alloys

The sensitivity analysis functions on globularized fraction ofαlamellae were established using a physically-based microstructure model and gradient method.These functions were applied to the sensitivity analysis on globularized fraction ofαlamellae in TC17 alloy.The material constants in these functions are determined using the genetic algorithm-based objective optimization technique.The globularized fraction ofαlamellae during isothermal compression of TC17 alloy was quantitatively analyzed based on scanning electron microscopy(SEM)observation.The results show thatαlamellae mostly change to equiaxedαgrains at a deformation temperature of 1083 K,a strain rate of 0.01 s^-1 and a strain of 1.2.The globularized fraction decreases with increasing strain rate because lower strain rate provides enough time for the spheroidization.The effect of deformation temperature on the globularized fraction is controlled by the strain rate.And,the predicted derivations of globularized fraction with respect to processing parameters show good agreement with the experimental values.

Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Different Zones in an Annealed Automatic Gas Tungsten Arc Weld Joint of TA16 and TC4 Titanium Alloys

Based on the investigated microstructure of different zones in the annealed automatic gas tungsten arc weld joint of TA16 and TC4 titanium alloys,the mechanical property of them was assessed under fatigue crack growth rate tests.For evaluation of fatigue crack growth rate,three points bending specimens were used.The correlation between the range of stress intensity factor and crack growth rate was determined in different zones of the annealed weld joint.Fatigue crack growth rates were obviously different in different zones of weld joint of dissimilar titanium alloys,due to their different microstructures.Scanning electron microscope examinations were conducted on the fracture surface in order to determine the relevant fracture mechanisms and crack growth mechanisms with respect to the details of microstructure.

New filler metal systems for the brazing of titanium alloys

It＇ s well known welding takes the leading role in development of titanium structures. However, in number of cases technological processes of brazing are more appropriate and, sometimes, being the single possible, in particular, during production of multilayer thin-wall structures. It should be noted that brazing filler metals of Ti-Cu-Ni, Ti-Zr-Cu-Ni, Zr-Ti-Ni and Cu-Zr-Ti systems in a form of plastic foils, as well as in powder form are mainly used in world practice for brazing of titanium alloys. Present work provides the results of complex investigations of brazing filler metals of Ti-Zr-Fe, Ti-Zr-Mn and Ti-Zr-Co systems using differential thermal analysis, light and scanning microscopy, X-ray microspectrum analysis. Data on melting ranges of pilot alloys were obtained, and liquidas su^Caces of given systems using simplex-lattice method were build. Brazing filler metals covering brazing temperature range of current structural titanium materials based on solid solutions as well as intermetallics were proposed. Structure, chemical inhomogeniety and strength characteristics of brazed joints were studied. It is determined that brazing of solid solution based alloys （OT4, VT6 ） using indicated brazing fiUer metals ensures strength characteristics of joints, which are not inferior to that obtained with application of known brazing filler metals even if they are received at lower brazing temperature.

Reaction between Ti and boron nitride based investment shell molds used for casting titanium alloys

The aim of this paper was to study the reaction between a Ti-6Al-4V alloy and boron nitride based investment shell molds used for investment casting titanium. In BN based investment shell molds, the face coatings are made of pretreated hexagonal boron nitride （hBN） with a few yttria （Y2O3） and colloidal yttria as binder. The Ti-6Al-4V alloy was melted in a controlled atmosphere induction furnace with a segment water-cooled copper crucible. The cross-section of reaction interface between Ti alloys and shell mold was investigated by electron probe micro-analyzer （EPMA） and microhardness tester. The results show that the reaction is not serious, the thickness of the reacting layer is about 30-50 μm, and the thickness of α-case is about 180-200 pro. Moreover the α-case formation mechanism was also discussed.

Improvement of Ductility of Powder Metallurgy Titanium Alloys by Addition of Rare Earth Element

Ti-4.5Al-6.0Mo-1.5Fe, Ti-6Al-1Mo-1Fe and Ti-6Al-4V alloys were prepared by blended elemental powder metallurgy （PM） process, and the effects of Nd on the microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. It was found out that the addition of Nd increased the density of sintered titanium alloys slightly by a maximum increment of 1% because small amount of liquid phase occurred during sintering. The addition of Nd shows little effect on the improvement of tensile strength, while the elongation is significantly improved. For example, the elongation of Ti-4.SAl-6.0Mo-1.5Fe can be increased from 1% without addition of Nd to 13% at a Nd content of 1.2 wt pct.

Research progress of laser cladding self-fluxing alloy coatings on titanium alloys

Laser cladding is a new surface modification technology, and is widely used for fabricating wear and corrosion resistant composites coatings. Self-fluxing alloys have many advantages, such as excellent properties of deoxidizing and slagging, high wear resistance, low melting point and easy cladding, and are often used in laser cladding to improve wear and corrosion resistance of titanium and its alloys. In this paper, the recent development of Ni-based and Co-based self-fluxing alloy coatings which includes the influenee of rare earth and ceramic particles in coatings are summarized. Besides, the effects of processing parameters, such as laser power and scanning speed, on coatings are reviewed. Finally, the trend of development in the future is forecasted.

α″phase-assisted nucleation to obtain ultrafineαprecipitates for designing high-strength near-βtitanium alloys

The diffusion-multiple method was used to determine the composition of Ti−6Al−4V−xMo−yZr alloy(0.45<x<12,0.5<y<14,wt.%),which can obtain an ultrafine α phase.Results show that Ti−6Al−4V−5Mo−7Zr alloy can obtain an ultrafineαphase by using the α″phase assisted nucleation.The bimodal microstructure obtained with the heat-treatment process can confer the alloy with a good balance between the strength and plasticity.The deformation mechanism is the dislocation slip and the{1101}twinning in the primary α phase.The strengthening mechanism is α/β interface strengthening.The interface of(0001)α/(110)β has a platform−step structure,whereas(1120)α/(111)βinterface is flat with no steps.