No abstract

Using a Ti–Cu–Ni–Sn–Ta alloy as an example, we demonstrate a strategy for the in situ formation of nanocomposite microstructures that can lead to simultaneous high strength and ductility. Our approach employs copper mold casting for the production of bulk alloys from the melt, and the solidification microstructure is designed to be composed of micrometer-sized ductile dendrites uniformly distributed inside a matrix of nanoscale eutectic reaction products. The nanostructured matrix is achieved at a relatively deep eutectic, which facilitates the formation of an ultrafine eutectic microstructure over a range of cooling rates. The multi-component recipe stabilizes a ductile solid solution as the toughening phase and helps to reduce the eutectic spacing down to nanoscale. The multi-phase microstructure (including phase distributions, morphologies, and interfaces) has been examined in detail using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM. The metastable eutectic reaction and the nanoscale spacing achieved are explained using thermodynamic and solidification modeling. The benefits expected from the microstructure design are illustrated using the high strength and large plasticity observed in mechanical property tests. Our nanocomposite design strategy is expected to be applicable to many alloy systems and constitutes another example of tailoring the microstructure on nanoscale for extraordinary properties.

Electron microscopy of the composite-forming alloys Ti 60 Cu 14 Ni 12 Sn 4 Nb 10 and Ti 60 Cu 14 Ni 12 Sn 4 Ta 10 , shows that for both alloys, the microstructure consists of an array of micron-scale dendrites surrounded by a nanoscale binary eutectic. In the Ta-containing alloy, one of the eutectic phases has been identified as having a bcc crystal structure similar to that of the dendrites. In the Nb-containing alloy, one of the eutectic phases has been found to have a similar composition to that of the dendrites. Further detailed structural and compositional characterization is needed in order to understand the solidification behaviour of such materials. This knowledge may then be used to improve the casting conditions and subsequent mechanical properties of the materials.