Microstructures and mechanical properties of nano-WC reinforced Ti-44.5Al-5Nb-0.5W-0.5C-0.2B alloy prepared by hot isostatic pressing

Abstract With the aim of improving the strength and ductility of TiAl alloy, for the first time, nano-WC is introduced to reinforce the Ti-44.5Al-5Nb-0.5W-0.5C-0.2B through hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The effect of nano-WC contents on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti-44.5Al-5Nb-0.5W-0.5C-0.2B are systematically studied, specifically, the Ti-44.5Al-5Nb-0.5W-0.5C-0.2B alloy with 2 wt% nano-WC content shows the highest tensile strength (830 ± 33 MPa) and ductility (3.9 ± 0.2%), which are mainly attributed to the grain refinement strengthening and precipitate shearing strengthening effects. Our findings provide a realistic approach to design novel TiAl/WC nanocomposite processed by HIP with superior strength-ductility combination for practical structural applications.