Microstructure and Phase Composition of 3D Printed Titanium Metal Matrix Composites Based on Ti-Al-V-Fe System and Reinforced with TiC Particles

Abstract

The ability to fabricate Ti–3Al–4V–9Fe/TiC metal matrix composites using the wire-feed electron beam additive technology is demonstrated. Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy rods surface saturated with carbon are used as the feedstock. The microstructure and phase composition of the Ti–6Al–4V rods subjected to carburization and as-built Ti–3Al–4V–9Fe/TiC composites are studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction analysis. The concentration of alloying elements in the feedstock and the composite is measured by the energy-dispersive analysis. Different patterns of TiC particle distribution within β grains of 3D printed Ti–3Al–4V–9Fe/TiC composite and along their boundaries are demonstrated. It is shown that the formation of equiaxed β grains and carbide (TiC) and intermetallic (TiFe) phases results in a high microhardness of the 3D printed Ti–3Al–4V–9Fe/TiC composite of 7 GPa.