Ti3Al matrix alloy refined and reinforced by in-situ synthesized SiCw/Nb4C3 core-shell structure

Highlight• By the inoculation of SiC_w, TiAl lamellas was refined and strengthened efficiently. • in-situ synthesized SiC_w/Nb₄C₃ core-shell structure was observed, the interfaces are analyzed and discussed. • The strengthening model was discussed and is applicable in this work. Hot deformation as a general fabrication method for Titanium-Aluminum alloy could enhance the mechanical properties due to the refining of grain size and lamellar width. Compared with the hot deformation method, here we report a casting strategy in which a Ti₃Al matrix alloy was effectively reinforced by in-situ ceramic particles meanwhile modified by inoculants. The average lamellar width is refined from about 3300 nm to about 37 nm. Samples exhibit an ultimate compressive strength of 2.76 GPa with a strain of 17.3%. SiC/Nb₄C₃ core-shell structure was observed in the interface between reinforcement and matrix, and its interface microstructure was studied in detail.