Study of αsup('')-martensite decomposition during continuous heating of the VT16 titanium alloys

The process was studied of the αsup('')-phase decomposition of the VT16 alloy, hardened from 815 deg C , when continuously heated in the temperature range between 150 and 600 deg C. The investigations were performed with the aid of X-ray, dilatometry and mechanical testing. It was shown that the αsup('')-martensite decomposition begins at temperatures of 350-400 deg C. The said temperatures correspond to increases in strength and hardness and to a drop in plasticity. At temperatures above 400 deg C the decomposition of the αsup('')-phase gives rix4se to areas, enriched with and low in alloying elements, where β and α-phases of a non-equilibrium composition precipitate respectively. Particles of the αsup(')-phase precipitate at 525 deg C