Microstructure and Dry Sliding Wear of Ti-50Al Alloy and Ti-47Al-3W/Ti₂AlC Composite Produced by Reactive Arc-Melting

Abstract

To study dry sliding wear behavior and its relation to microstructure, Ti–50Al alloys and Ti–47Al–3W alloy and its composite with varying reinforcement of Ti₂AlC were prepared by reactive arc-melting. Dispersion of fine B2 particles is obtained by the addition of tungsten to TiAl alloy, which improves both the hardness and wear resistance of the matrix. By adding carbon to Ti–47Al–3W alloy, composite can be produced having a random distribution of reacted rod-like Ti₂AlC particles and smaller Ti₂AlC precipitates with fine B2 particles in the matrix. The Ti–47Al–3W/3.5 vol%Ti₂AlC intermetallic composite features excellent wear resistance compared to 10 and 18 vol% composites, and fine dispersion of the Ti₂AlC and B2 particles in the matrix has improved the wear resistance properties.