Production of Ti–13Nb–13Zr Alloy by Powder Metallurgy (P/M) via Sintering Hydrides

Abstract

The blended elemental method was selected for the manufacture of Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy by a cold isostatic pressing process and sintering densification under high vacuum. The samples were sintered at the different temperatures from 1250°C to 1450°C with a pressure of 10⁻³ ∼ 10⁻⁵ Pa. The decomposition of titanium, niobium, and zirconium hydride powders was discussed by thermal gravimetric analyses and differential scanning calorimetry. The phase composition, microstructure and fracture morphology of Sintered Ti–13Nb–13Zr samples were determined by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the hydrogen can be removed effectively. Chemical analysis shows that the Nb, Zr alloying element and hydrogen contents accord with the standard of the ASTM-1713. The final density of sintered Ti–13Nb–13Zr specimens is 4.99 g cm⁻³ after sintering at 1450°C for 4 h, representing 99.69% of the theoretical density. The microstructure of sintered Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloys by powder metallurgy is a typical Widmannstätten (α + β).

Keywords:

• Alloys
• Dehydrogenation
• Metallurgy
• Powder
• Sintering
• Titanium