Abstract
The influence of process route on the microstructure and tensile behaviour of specimens prepared from hot isostatically pressed powders and extruded ingot of the burn resistant alloy, Ti–25V–15Cr–2Al–0·2C (wt-), has been investigated. Samples based on gas atomised (GA) and plasma rotating electrode process (PREP) powders have been studied. Microstructural examination shows that many PREP powder particles are single crystals, whereas GA particles are polycrystalline. The mechanical properties of hot isostatically pressed specimens have been assessed using tensile testing monitored by acoustic emission, while microstructures have been characterised by synchrotron X-ray microtomography and optical and analytical scanning electron microscopy. Tomographic examination revealed a small fraction (<0·002 vol.-) of pores in samples made from hot isostatically pressed GA powders, but no porosity was detected in samples made from hot isostatically pressed PREP powder. In view of their similar tensile behaviour, it is concluded therefore that the porosity does not contribute to the scatter and poor ductility in these hot isostatically pressed samples. These pores increased in size and volume fraction after heat treatment above the hot isostatic press temperature. The large scatter in tensile properties of both hot isostatically pressed GA and PREP samples was correlated with the presence of large (100–400 μm) circular crack initiation sites on the fracture surfaces, but the origin of these initiation sites has not been identified.
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