TB9
(Ti–3Al–8V–6Cr–4Mo–4Zr, mass fraction, %) titanium alloy wires are critical
materials for aerospace fasteners, springs, and related components. However,
systematic research on the effects contents of trace elements such as O and Fe
on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TB9 wires remains
insufficient, and effective control measures are lacking, often resulting in
unstable properties of the fabricated parts. To address the abovementioned
issues, this study investigates the effects of O and Fe contents on the
microstructure and mechanical properties of TB9 alloy wires in four different
states: solution-treated, solution-treated and aged, solution-treated followed
by cold drawing, and cold drawn followed by aging. This investigation provides
guidance for property optimization and stable process control of the alloy. The
results show that O content affects the microstructure and properties of TB9
through mechanisms such as solid solution strengthening, grain refinement,
modulation of α-phase precipitation,
and interfacial segregation. In the solution-treated state, increasing O
content increases alloy strength through solid solution strengthening and grain
size reduction, with a slight decrease in ductility. Upon direct aging at 490
°C after solution treatment, α-phase
precipitates uniformly in the grains, leading to peak strength. At an O content
of 0.11%, an ultimate tensile strength of 1357 MPa is achieved with a favorable
strength–ductility balance. However, when the O content increases to 0.14%,
brittle fracture occurs. Cold-drawn deformation considerably increases the
strength of all alloys. During subsequent aging, the α-phase precipitation temperature decreases considerably, resulting
in substantially higher strength compared to solution-treated and aged alloys.
The alloy containing 0.11%O achieves an ultimate tensile strength of 1453 MPa
and improved ductility after aging at 520 °C. However, excessive O addition
leads to embrittlement. In the TB9 alloy, minor variations in Fe content
primarily affect properties through solid solution strengthening and grain
refinement, but the influence is minimal. Therefore, an optimal O content below
0.11 wt.% is beneficial for achieving high-strength TB9 alloy wires, while
excessive oxygen should be avoided in engineering applications owing to its
embrittlement effect. Iron content, in the standard range, has a negligible
impact on the microstructure and mechanical properties.
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