Behavior of Different β Stabilizers on the Microstructure and Properties of Ternary Ti‐3Sn‐X Alloys

Abstract

The manufacturing of Ti alloys via powder metallurgy and the development of novel compositions are two strategies to reduce the cost of Ti, which is still the primary factor deterring its wider use in engineering applications. In this study, new Ti alloys based on the combined addition of Sn with Nb, Mo, or Mn are manufactured via powder metallurgy to gain an understanding of the role of these β stabilizers on the performance achievable. It is found that the designed alloys have a fully homogeneous chemistry regardless of their actual composition and a lamellar or β‐type microstructure depending on the actual β stabilizer used. This study confirms that the β‐stabilizing power effect decreases from Mn to Mo and, eventually, Nb. The compressibility and sinterability of the alloys increase with the progressive addition of the selected powders, generally leading to stronger and more ductile materials. It is also found that the proposed Ti‐3Sn‐Mo alloys are characterized by the best strength/ductility pairs compared to a variety of sintered or cast binary/ternary Ti alloys bearing the alloying elements considered in this work.