The Role of Martensitic Transformation in Thermomechanical Development of Microstructure and Plasticity of Two-Phase Ti-6Al-4V Titanium Alloy

Abstract

Phase constituent morphology in microstructure of two-phase α+β titanium alloys is determined by conditions of thermomechanical processing consisting of sequential heat treatment and plastic deformation operations. Results of previous research indicate that particularly solution treatment preceding plastic deformation significantly changes α-phase morphology and determines hot plasticity of titanium alloys. In the paper thermomechanical processing composed of β solution treatment and following hot forging of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy was analysed. Development of martensite plates during heating up and hot deformation was evaluated. Microscopic examinations revealed that elongated and deformed α-phase grains were fragmented and transformed into globular ones. Significant influence of martensitic transformation on elongation coefficient of α-phase grains after plastic deformation was confirmed. Based on results of elevated temperature tensile tests it was established that α-phase morphology in examined two-phase α+β titanium alloy, developed in the thermomechanical processing, can enhance their hot plasticity – especially in the range of low strain rates.