In-situ TEM observation of hcp-Ti to fcc-Ti phase transformation in Nb-Ti-Si based alloys

Highlights: • Hcp-Ti to fcc-Ti phase transformation has been investigated by direct TEM observation. • Two periodic structures nucleate and act as modulated structures during the hcp-Ti to fcc-Ti phase transformation. • The transformation proceeds through formation of growth ledges at interfaces. • Stability of Ti might be decreased in the following order: hcp, periodic structures, fcc. - Abstract: Phase transformation process of interfacial Ti precipitates in Nb-Ti-Si based alloys is systematically investigated by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The Ti precipitates exhibit an uncommon face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, which can be identified by analyzing its chemical composition and phase transformation characteristics. Fcc-Ti precipitates precipitate from Nbss and partially transform into hexagonal close-packed Ti (hcp-Ti) lamellae during heat-treatment, which will reversely transform into fcc-Ti lamellae during heating in TEM. Two periodic structures nucleate and act as modulated structures in the process of hcp-Ti to fcc-Ti reverse phase transformation. The transformation proceeds through formation of growth ledges at interfaces. Origins of the two periodic structures and ledge model for the phase transformation have been discussed.