Key microstructures controlling the mechanical properties of two-phase TiAl alloys with lamellar structures

TiAl alloys with the base composition of Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb (at.%) were prepared by arc melting and drop casting, followed by hot extrusion above the {alpha}-transus temperature, T{sub {alpha}}. The hot extruded materials were then heat treated above and below T{sub {alpha}} in order to control microstructural features in these lamellar structures. Mechanical properties of these alloys were determined by tensile testing at temperatures to 1000 C. Tensile elongation at room temperature (RT) is strongly dependent on grain size, showing increased ductility with decreasing grain size. Strength at RT and elevated temperatures is sensitive to interlamellar spacing, showing increased strength with decreasing lamellar spacing. Hall-Petch relations hold well for yield strength at RT and elevated temperatures and for tensile elongation at RT. Tensile elongations of about 5% and yield strengths around 900 MPa are achieved by controlling both colony size and interlamellar spacing. Mechanical properties of the TiAl alloys with controlled lamellar structures produced directly by hot extrusion are much superior to those produced by conventional thermomechanical treatments