Role of refractory elements in near-alpha titanium alloys on high temperature mechanical properties

The effect of Tungsten (W), Tantalum (Ta) and simultaneous addition of Germanium (Ge) and Silicon (Si) on the microstructure evolution, tensile and creep properties of the near-alpha alloy Ti-5.7Al-3.9Sn-3.7Zr-0.7Nb-0.5Mo-0.35Si-0.05C have been investigated at high temperatures up to 650°C. Microstructural characterizations following solution treatment at 1050°C for 2 hours with oil quenching and aging treatment at 700°C for 2 hours followed by air cooling, highlighted that the additions of refractory elements such as W and Ta led to a decrease of both the volume fraction of the primary alpha phase (ap) and its average size. Tensile tests performed up to 650°C revealed a significant improvement in tensile strength with additions of W and Ta, even though a decrease of ductility has been also detected. Creep tests carried out at 600°C under a constant stress of 200 MPa pointed out that, refractory elements, Ge and Si have a beneficial effect on both primary and steady-state creep strain rates