Production of Ti-35Zr-10Nb Alloy by Powder Metallurgy for Automotive Application

The automotive industry has identified several automobile components that could be replaced with titanium alloy components, either through direct replacement in existing designs or, preferably, in new designs to fully exploit the unique properties of titanium. The alloy processing by powder metallurgy (M/P) eases the obtainment of parts with complex geometry and, probably, cheaper. In this work, results of the Ti-35Zr-10Nb alloy production are presented. This alloy due to its high wear, impact and corrosion resistance is a promising candidate for automotive applications. Samples were produced by mixing of initial metallic powders followed by uniaxial and cold isostatic pressing with subsequent densification by sintering between 900-1400 °C, in vacuum. Sintering behavior was studied by means of dilatometry. Sintered samples were characterized for phase composition, microstructure and microhardness by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Vickers indentation, respectively. Density was measured by Archimedes method. The samples presented low porosity contents and a homogeneous microstructure.