The sintering densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of gamma Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy with a small addition of copper

Titanium aluminide based alloys are difficult to consolidate by pressureless sintering. A systematic study has been made of the effect of small additions of copper on the sintering densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of gamma Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb (in at% throughout). The density of the Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy sintered at 1375 °C for 120 min increased consistently from 74% theoretical density (TD) without Cu to >98%TD with an addition of up to 2 at%Cu. The enabling effect of a small addition of Cu is due to the formation of a wetting liquid, supported by dilatometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Thermal-Calc analyses. Rapid sintering shrinkage occurred around 1251 °C and 1370 °C corresponding to liquid formation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified the formation of a Cu- and Cr-enriched hexagonal close-packed Ti(Al, Cr, Cu, Nb) phase with a=0.520 Å and c=0.803 Å. Its presence increased with increasing Cu content. The compressive, tensile and flexure properties of the as-sintered Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb–2Cu alloy were assessed. The tensile properties are similar or superior to those of the Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy fabricated by metal injection moulding and sintering while the compression strength is about twice that of the as-cast Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb.