Mechanical properties and microstructure of Al2O3/TiAl in situ composites doped with Cr and V2O5

Al2O3/TiAl in situ composites doped with Cr and V2O5 were successfully prepared from Ti, Al, TiO2, Cr and V2O5 by hot pressing. The effect of in situ formed Al2O3 content on the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3/TiAl composites were investigated. The results show that the as-synthesized composites mainly consisted of γ-TiAl/α2-Ti3Al matrix and dispersive Al2O3 reinforcing phases. The in situ formed fine Al2O3 ceramic particles mainly disperse on the grain boundaries of TiAl, resulting in refinement of TiAl matrix, which improves the mechanical properties of the Al2O3/TiAl in situ composite. The composite with 7.54 at.% Al2O3 possesses the maximum flexural strength and fracture toughness of 335.38 MPa and 5.39 MPa m1/2, respectively. The strengthening mechanism was also discussed in detail.