Phase stability and high temperature tensile properties of W doped gamma-TiAl

Tungsten (W) doped γ-TiAl is one of promising alloys among many other proposed TiAl base alloys, for the purpose of structural applications at elevated temperatures. Ingots of W doped γ-TiAl were produced by plasma arc melting, followed by homogenizing heat treatment and isothermal forging to control their microstructures. The phase stability of W doped γ-TiAl has been studied quantitatively, using the specimens quenched from 1273 K. Equilibrium compositions of consisting phases were analyzed by means of EDS analysis in a TEM. An isothermal cross section of the Ti-Al-W ternary phase diagram at 1273K has been proposed based on the experimental observations. Small amounts of W addition (< lat%) to Ti-48at%Al cause a phase shift from α₂+γ to α₂+β+γ, which suggests that W is the strongest β stabilizer among transition metals, such as Cr and Mo. Mechanical property measurements of W doped γ-TiAl show that the high temperature tensile strength has been improved by the W addition. Relationships between the microstructures and the mechanical properties of W doped γ-TiAl have been discussed.